As a Professional Pilot, I Thought I Couldn’t Ask For Help

Nick was a professional pilot, and he knew he had an alcohol problem. Despite his genuine love for flying and knowing that his career was in jeopardy, he could not stop himself from drinking. Not only could he not stop, he felt like he couldn’t ask for help either.He kept drawing lines in the sand of things he would never do, and inevitably he would cross those lines. Eventually, through his friends’ help, he found his way to MARR started to access the help and the acceptance he desperately needed but was afraid to ask for.He talks about how the professionals’ program at MARR helped him get his career back on track. He also speaks about his role as the Alumni Relations Coordinator at MARR.If you or somebody you love is struggling with addiction, our Clinical Assessment Team is available for a confidential and free conversation about the next steps you can take to get help for yourself and your loved ones. Call us at (678) 736-8694, or you can reach out via the chat box in the lower right-hand corner of our website. If you are an alumni and want to get involved, please email [email protected]:01 – Intro1:19 – Progression of alcoholism before becoming a pilot6:40 – Becoming a pilot11:05 – Flying while under the influence14:20 – Supervisors start getting concerned about Nick’s absences22:05 – The stress of trying to hide his alcoholism30:17 – Friends and family stage an intervention36:00 – Arriving at MARR for treatment39:00 – Experiencing the power of vulnerability47:50 – The Professionals Program at MARR50:47 – Nick’s role as Alumni Relations Coordinator55:22 – Staying connected means staying sober