3.05.22 – EAP/ FADAP Update: Frequently Asked Questions, Sleeping Medications

Saturday, March 5, 2022

From Your EAP Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions

We would like to share some important questions our department has received this month.

Q1: Is it legal to be informed about a random drug test in customs?

A: While it is standard to be met at the aircraft door, a delay could occur causing you to be met while exiting customs. You will be responsible to follow random drug testing procedures.

Q2: May I take sleeping aids while on duty?

A: If you have an active prescription for any sleep aids, you need to communicate to your physician about our DOT regulations. If you have knowledge that you may have significant side effects (sleepwalking or other activities), you should be communicating this to your doctor to prescribe medication that does not affect you in this manner. You should not be taking sleep aids with alcohol. If these sleep aids are used correctly, you can use these on your layovers with an active prescription.

Q3: I was told that the CBD product I purchased doesn’t contain THC. Is it safe to use?

A: CBD and hemp products are not FDA monitored and are not allowed to be used at any time.

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Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program: Mixing Alcohol and Prescription Sleeping Pills

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What is FADAP?

FADAP is a substance-abuse prevention program, created and promoted for and by the Flight Attendant profession and funded by the FAA. Assistance is provided to all Flight Attendants, including those who are active, furloughed or on leave. FADAP serves as an additional resource for Flight Attendants struggling with addiction or health and wellness issues. FADAP is not meant as a replacement for our EAP program, but rather an industry-wide program to help supplement and support Flight Attendants that need support in their recovery.

FADAP’s mission is to support a culture of safety which will be able to assist Flight Attendants in meeting their personal and professional goals through substance-abuse awareness, combined with self and peer referrals for assistance, and the implementation of a Flight Attendant-specific recovery support system. The Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program began in September 2010 with funding from the FAA, and now includes Flight Attendant peers and managers from 25 airlines across our industry.

How does FADAP interact with the APFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
FADAP works in tandem with the APFA Employee Assistance Program as it does with 24 other airlines. FADAP provides no cost 24/7 phone coverage, trainings, materials, best practice updates and aviation industry networking opportunities to support the APFA EAP in providing assistance to Flight Attendants and family members struggling with a substance use disorder.

What are some of the benefits offered by FADAP?
FADAP is an authorized and funded safety program funded by the FAA. The goal of FADAP is to educate and support cutting edge assistance programs and policies within and across labor and management groups that are truly effective in helping Flight Attendants and their families who struggle with substance use disorders. Some of the services FADAP offers to all Flight Attendants and family members regardless of their airline or Union status and which also augment the assistance your Union EAP can provide include:

• 24/7 live phone assistance (you will never get a recording in your time of crisis or need) with follow up services coordinated from your own peer program.
•  A no cost, 6-month family education program for those struggling with a loved one’s substance use disorder.
• 24/7 help line for timely questions like 1) Can I take this medication and still fly? 2) Will I test positive if I take this medication? 3) I can’t enter Canada because of a DWI, what can I do?
• Individualized treatment program searches for Flight Attendants and family members with little to no insurance coverage
• Individual and bulk access to free printed or electronic educational material including pamphlets, videos, recovery stories, webinars, hotlines, etc.
• Free training programs for managers, Union leaders, and EAP peers on a variety of subjects related to substance use and mental health disorders.

 

Visit the FADAP website to learn more about services offered, recovery resources, and substance abuse information and education.

In Solidarity,

Sharon Dunn
APFA EAP Representative
[email protected]

Deb McCormick
Project Coordinator, FADAP
[email protected]