Mental Health and Substance Use 

Individuals may often abuse alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms of a mental health disorder, to cope with one’s difficult emotions, or to temporarily change one’s mood.

Unfortunately, self-medicating with either drugs or alcohol, or both, may cause side effects that eventually worsen the symptoms one is initially trying to relieve. 

Substance abuse can also increase symptoms of mental illness or could even trigger new symptoms. Abuse of alcohol or drugs can interact with medications such as antidepressants, anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers, making them less effective at managing symptoms and delaying recovery. 

· Do you use alcohol or drugs to cope with unpleasant memories or feelings, to control pain or the intensity of your moods?

· Do you use alcohol or drugs to face situations that may upset or frighten you?

· Have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and mental health? For example, do you get depressed when you drink? Or do you drink when you are feeling anxious or bothered by unpleasant memories or feelings?

Did you know that the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program is available to confidentially assist you with mental health concerns? Whether you're struggling with mental health, substance use, or both issues, FADAP is available to you.

For a non-judgemental conversation with a FADAP peer at your airline, please call 1-855-33FADAP or 1-855-333-2327.