Substance misuse
Working at sea can be stressful and lonely at times, due to spending long periods of time apart from friends, family and partners. Crew may have to work long hours. On superyachts, crew often find themselves catering to the needs of demanding guests and maintaining very high standards.
Using alcohol and other substances, prescription and non-prescription medication, and street drugs can be seen as a way to block out difficult feelings and cope with a particularly demanding schedule or charter. Likewise, for yacht crew, days off during the season can be viewed as a legitimate excuse to celebrate to excess, and crew can feel peer pressure from other crew members to be part of the ‘work hard, play hard’ culture.Â
All of this can contribute to crew finding themselves shifting from the social stage of substance use, into misuse or even addiction. This can happen without conscious awareness particularly as they may still be able to carry out their duties and appear to be fully functioning. This can make it harder for them to ask for help, and for fellow crew to realise that they may be struggling and offer support.Â
Substance misuse is the use of illegal drugs and the inappropriate use of legal substances, such as alcohol, tobacco or prescribed medication.
Addiction refers to substance use disorders at the severe end of the spectrum and is characterised by a person’s inability to control the impulse to use drugs or alcohol even when there are negative consequences. Eating disorders also come under this category.
Fear of losing your position, your reputation, or being labelled an addict or alcoholic can make it difficult to admit your concerns and ask your colleagues for help. You can have a confidential, non-judgmental conversation with us to discuss your concerns regarding your alcohol or drug use, and take the first step in finding the help that will suit:
- SeafarerHelp – for all seafarers and their families
- YachtCrewHelp – for yacht crew
Resources
For yacht crew:
