FAQs

  • Can I Fly with this Prescription Medication?

    Please make sure that your physician has a clear understanding of your job duties as a first responder.  You may even want to make sure that your medical provider has a copy of your written job description in your medical file for reference prior to recommending a prescription. Once a prescription has been dispensed to you, the following safeguards are recommended

    • Only use medication for which you have a current and valid prescription and for which you are actively being treated.
    • Never exceed the recommended dosage amount.
    • Don't take medications for past conditions that you saved "just in case".
    • Follow the prescription warnings about mixing alcohol with your prescription.
    • Never share or borrow medication from others.

  • Can I Take This Over-the-Counter Product?

    You are responsible for what is contained in the products that you use. Some products have no labels. Some ingredient labels are unreadable, incomplete, or non-existent, especially for products in the overseas market. Products purchased outside the United States may contain chemicals which are illegal in the United States. Within the United States, many herbal and health food products have less stringent labeling requirements than over the counter medications.   If you are not absolutely certain what ingredients are present in a product and the effect of those ingredients on your ability to perform your flight attendant duties, then consider not using that product. 

  • Can I use Medical Marijuana?

    If you use medically prescribed marijuana, you will be in violation of the Department of Transportation's (DOT) rules for safety sensitive employees. Under no conditions is marijuana, whether legally or illegally dispensed, considered acceptable for flight attendants.

  • Will I Get Fired if I Enter Substance Abuse Treatment?

    Each employer has a policy in place on how to access medical leave. Your FADAP peer will assist you confidentially in accessing your employer's medical leave with the correct documentation to support your time away from your job. If you do not have a FADAP peer, please call Deborah McCormick - FADAP Coordinator at 401-225-1459.

  • How to Talk to a Co-Worker, Friend, or Family Member About Her/His Drinking or Drug Abuse?

    Most of us know someone - a fellow flight attendant, friend, or family member, who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse in some way. Though some of the signs may vary by the drug of choice, what you see that person doing and how you interact with him or her is often the same, regardless of the substance being used. Both on and off the job, symptoms of alcohol and drug use may be physical (chills, smell of alcohol, sweating, weight loss, physical deterioration); emotional (increased aggression, anxiety, irritability, denial, depression, paranoia); and behavioral (excessive talking, impaired coordination, lack of energy, limited attention span, poor motivation).

It is important to note that if an individual displays any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean she or he has a substance abuse problem.

These tips can be used for a fellow flight attendant, friend, or family member if you suspect someone has a problem:

  • Show the person genuine concern. Be open and honest. It is important to let the person know the great traits and qualities that she/she has but you have noticed a change in behavior. Express your concern for their safety and that of others. Don't judge or accuse! Remember - you would not approach someone with heart disease or cancer with 'shame or guilt'. It is not helpful for you do that with someone who has the medical problem of substance abuse or addiction.
  • Describe your observations of her/his behavior, using specific days and times, rather than saying "you always" or other similar generalized phrases.
  • Urge the person to get help and offer information on how to get help. For flight attendants, let them know that they have a FADAP program, their union sponsored EAP, or company EAP.
  • Tell the person that you will no longer overlook, but do not make idle threats.
  • Explain how the person's behavior affects you and others at work or at home. Reconfirm your concern. You don't need to have the person admit to a substance abuse problem. You are asking the person to seek help to address the behavior changes that are really impacting you.

 

It is important to note, that even after confronting a fellow flight attendant, friend, or family member, she/he may be unwilling to seek help at this time. If you'd like to discuss how another person's use is affecting you, a FADAP peer is available.  Give us a call.