The Stigma of Alcoholism and Inclusion

Many business aviation events mention booze to increase attendance; not as cool anymore

Inclusion, by definition, means “the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.” Boiled down, leaders in business aviation must make everyone feel welcome in our niche industry, especially as we look to attract new, diverse talent. One topic that comes up in conversation is the acceptance of alcohol as a “tool” in networking and getting business done. This goes back to the 1950s when things like drinking in your office were the norm. Times have changed and being a leader today comes with the responsibility of making all feel welcome.??

One interesting comparison is the multitude of dietary options when ordering a catered meal at most events. You may select a vegetarian dish, Halal dish, vegan dish, and so forth. On the flip side, when the happy hour starts, the options for a recovering alcoholic or someone who prefers not to drink is a beer, some wine, multiple types of liquor, or a half-empty can of Coke, which in my experience will be flat, possibly with a hole in the side.

Notice I use the term “recovering” alcoholic, not “recovered”. Folks who have this terrible disease are never healed, unfortunately. This is a disease that never goes into remission, much the opposite. It lives in the next room doing sit-ups and push-ups to get stronger, just waiting for you to slip up. It also happens to be the only disease that tells us we don’t have a disease. No blame can be passed; I think most people just aren’t aware due to most addicts staying quiet, ashamed of their illness and past behavior.?

When I made my struggle with addiction public, I was shocked by the outpouring of aviation professionals who informed me they have been sober for x number of days or years and are appreciative of someone talking about a taboo subject within aviation. I never would have known or connected had they not reached out! Of course, we may never rid the industry of the last legal drug in the country, especially since pilots must walk through hell and back to use prescribed anti-depressant medication.?

Considering the vast percentage of YoPros and others that are now sober-curious, or teetotal, the time is right for leaders to offer more options, making everyone feel welcome at the evening receptions. Over the past few years, I’ve walked up the plastic portable bar and asked for non-alcoholic beer, unfortunately, the answer is always no. Companies in our industry can start small – offer a few more non-alcoholic choices for guests or possibly a sober event that will challenge minds and help fuel growth.?

Being a fortunate alcoholic, if there ever was one, I’m able to be around those drinking, although my patience for slurred words and being a personal taxi has diminished rapidly. But let us not forget, many in recovery cannot be around it, cannot smell it, and cannot witness others partaking in it. A great quote relating to this is “if you continue to walk into a barbershop, eventually you will get a haircut.” If business aviation is serious about inclusion, we should be mindful of this group as well. It is a known fact that addicts help other addicts; if anybody has a question or would like to bounce suggestions back and forth, please give me a call. By continuing to improve, we will continue to attract the talent, attitudes, and personalities needed for business aviation to become a sought-after career path.?

If you are struggling and need to chat, please do not hesitate to call 419.704.1981 or send me a DM via LinkedIn.?

ASN