Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches offers rehab for pilots in Florida that addresses the unique challenges these individuals face and how they contribute to addiction. Our drug rehab in Palm Beach County understands the critical importance of addressing substance abuse within the aviation community, and we are committed to delivering professional and tailored care to meet the unique needs of pilots. The stress associated with an aviation career has prompted airlines to form an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help employees cope and, if necessary, receive quality addiction care. Our aviation addiction treatment program works in conjunction with the airlines to get pilots out of drug or alcohol use and back in the air. Our goal is to assist individuals on their path to recovery and help them regain their well-being and professional capabilities, ensuring safe and responsible flying.

Do Pilots Get Drug Tested?

As with most safety-related careers, pilots do get drug tested to ensure they’re fit to fly. Pilot drug testing includes pre-employment, random testing, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty drug tests. A pilot drug test can detect substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates.

These tests may also require the individual to give a urine sample, blood sample, or hair sample, depending on the type of substance they’re being tested for. Airline pilots and aviators are held to a high standard when it comes to their physical and mental health, mainly for the sake of ensuring their safety as well as the safety of the passengers in their care.

One major way this standard is upheld is through drug testing. These tests are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are conducted according to the guidelines outlined in the FAA’s drug and alcohol testing program.

Banned Substances for Pilots

The FAA does have a list of acceptable medications. Pilot performance is affected by both the underlying medical condition(s) and medication(s), so they consider both in individual cases. Pilots with underlying medical conditions who may require medication need to consult with their FAA Regional Flight Surgeons or designated Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) to determine whether they can fly with their condition or treatment.¹

According to the FAA, below is a list of banned substances for pilots:¹

• Tranquilizers (e.g., Valium, Librium, Ativan)
• Most antidepressants (depending on individual circumstances)
• Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin
• Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril
• Anticholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop
• Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec
• Antipsychotics, such as Mellaril, Thorazine, Haldol
• Over-the-counter active dietary supplements, such as Kava-Kava, Valerian

If a pilot fails a drug test, they will be subject to immediate action by their employer and the FAA. A failed drug test doesn’t always mean that a pilot will lose their license. The pilot will be removed from safety-sensitive duties if their employer doesn’t terminate them. The FAA then responds to the notice of a failed random drug test by sending a Letter of Investigation or Emergency Order of Revocation.

For pilots who aren’t fired for a failed drug test, they may be required to undergo substance abuse care or counseling to return to work. Our addiction treatment for pilots is an example of these services.

Aviator Addiction Treatment in Florida

Our drug rehab in Lake Worth has developed a specialized treatment program that addresses the complex substance abuse in pilots and aviation professionals to help them regain their health and sobriety. Our addiction rehab for pilots is 100 percent HIMS-compliant and meets all current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) protocols and requirements. It is designed to administer quality drug and alcohol abuse treatment to aviation professionals and responsibly facilitate their return to work.

Our aviation alcohol treatment and drug rehabilitation were created with the assistance of Dr. Joseph R. Tordella, HIMS Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), a leader in aerospace medicine with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Tordella also heads the program as our Aviation Medicine Consultant.

Participants undergo three stages of care while in the program (medical detox, rehab, and aftercare) and are treated in a time frame that is compliant with FAA medical standards. Like all of our programs, patients begin by receiving a full physical evaluation and in-depth psychological assessment.

Services offered at our drug rehab for pilots include:

• Medically supervised detox
• Individual and group therapy
• Anger management
• Mental health treatment
• Chronic pain treatment
• Grief/loss counseling
• Trauma treatment
• Psychotherapy

We also provide regular contact with referral sources, including the EAP, and provide completion of all necessary documentation and paperwork as required by the patients’ employers and the FAA. The program includes a weekly support group, which is led by a professional with over 15 years of experience in the aviation industry and is centered on issues specific to aviation professionals.

Aftercare and Transitional Assistance

Once patients have completed our airline pilot substance abuse treatment, they are transferred to aftercare, which they complete via an outpatient program. The length of aftercare is based on the long-term care needs of the patient. These are established during their initial evaluation. The aviation professionals’ treatment program has been helping pilots overcome their substance abuse and resume distinguished careers for over ten years.

For pilots facing addiction, the path to recovery is essential not only for their well-being but also for the safety of those they serve while in the skies. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we offer specialized addiction treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of aviation professionals. Our team of experienced clinicians and staff is dedicated to supporting you on your journey to recovery and restoring your ability to fly responsibly.

If you or a fellow pilot is struggling with addiction, take action now. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it. Contact Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches today to discuss our rehab for pilots and regain control of your life and your professional capabilities.

Source:

1. Federal Aviation Administration – Does the FAA have a list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that pilots can and cannot take while flying?