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MP Charlie – Airline Pilot – 4 Years Sober, Alcohol
My guest today is Charlie. Charlie works as a commercial airline pilot (First Officer) and today he is almost 4.5 years sober.
Today’s conversation is about Charlie’s journey into the depths of alcohol addiction despair – what happened, what it was like, and how he ultimately found a way out. Charlie walks us through his experience getting a DUI and trudging through the unbelievably arduous airline program of recovery (HIMS program). Fear, just wanting to be accepted. Alcohol works, until it doesn’t. We cover the low lows – hitting rock bottom. And exactly how Charlie was able to conquer his demons, put the past in the rear view, and become a better pilot – a better man.
It’s about the power of surrender, humility, compassion, and purpose in sobriety. Leaning on mentors and community. Empowering individuals dealing with addiction – particularly those in high-stakes careers that require some sort of licensure. How holding compassion for himself and others and how putting service first, changed his life.
Across the world, untold millions fall prey to some form of addiction. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It affects all people, even those who have lofty job titles or those tasked with protecting the lives of others: CEOs, doctors, lawyers, and pilots. These professionals are regular people, too. Yet, the disease of addiction is incongruent with that image. For people whose identity is closely tied to their career and where they work, admitting that they have an addiction - and seeking help - doesn’t come easy.
Addiction, regardless of one’s life circumstances, is almost always incredibly devastating. For an airline pilot, the disease of addiction can jeopardize not just a career they have worked so hard to achieve, but also the safety and trust of hundreds of people. Thankfully, most airlines have programs that get pilots the treatment they need to get their lives back on track and, possibly, back into the cockpit.
Through these individuals – individuals working in occupations that modern society tends to hold in the highest regard, individuals we place our total and complete trust in, who we often (incorrectly) view as immune to this problem of addition – I think we are better able to see ourselves. Their weaknesses, struggles, and strengths mirror our own. Their relatability uniquely qualifies them to reflect back upon us our shared, collective humanity. In their victories, we can connect more viscerally with our own inner power and potential.
I applaud the dedication Charlie undertook to overhaul his life. All told, it’s a story of redemption full stop – and I’m honored to tell it.
https://himsprogram.com/
https://www.boaf.org/
https://www.aa.org/find-aa
This podcast traverses difficult emotional terrain. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Please reach out for help and call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, I encourage you to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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By Ryan KenneallyMy guest today is Charlie. Charlie works as a commercial airline pilot (First Officer) and today he is almost 4.5 years sober.
Today’s conversation is about Charlie’s journey into the depths of alcohol addiction despair – what happened, what it was like, and how he ultimately found a way out. Charlie walks us through his experience getting a DUI and trudging through the unbelievably arduous airline program of recovery (HIMS program). Fear, just wanting to be accepted. Alcohol works, until it doesn’t. We cover the low lows – hitting rock bottom. And exactly how Charlie was able to conquer his demons, put the past in the rear view, and become a better pilot – a better man.
It’s about the power of surrender, humility, compassion, and purpose in sobriety. Leaning on mentors and community. Empowering individuals dealing with addiction – particularly those in high-stakes careers that require some sort of licensure. How holding compassion for himself and others and how putting service first, changed his life.
Across the world, untold millions fall prey to some form of addiction. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It affects all people, even those who have lofty job titles or those tasked with protecting the lives of others: CEOs, doctors, lawyers, and pilots. These professionals are regular people, too. Yet, the disease of addiction is incongruent with that image. For people whose identity is closely tied to their career and where they work, admitting that they have an addiction - and seeking help - doesn’t come easy.
Addiction, regardless of one’s life circumstances, is almost always incredibly devastating. For an airline pilot, the disease of addiction can jeopardize not just a career they have worked so hard to achieve, but also the safety and trust of hundreds of people. Thankfully, most airlines have programs that get pilots the treatment they need to get their lives back on track and, possibly, back into the cockpit.
Through these individuals – individuals working in occupations that modern society tends to hold in the highest regard, individuals we place our total and complete trust in, who we often (incorrectly) view as immune to this problem of addition – I think we are better able to see ourselves. Their weaknesses, struggles, and strengths mirror our own. Their relatability uniquely qualifies them to reflect back upon us our shared, collective humanity. In their victories, we can connect more viscerally with our own inner power and potential.
I applaud the dedication Charlie undertook to overhaul his life. All told, it’s a story of redemption full stop – and I’m honored to tell it.
https://himsprogram.com/
https://www.boaf.org/
https://www.aa.org/find-aa
This podcast traverses difficult emotional terrain. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Please reach out for help and call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, I encourage you to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.