Category Archives: Recovery

Recovery – Early Days at Hazelden

Guys came and went every day at Hazelden.  However, we tended to ‘gravitate’ toward the guys who who came in just before us.  That’s what I did… There were 3 other pilots in treatment, in my unit.  Another one from … Continue reading

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Recovery: The First Days at Hazelden (3)

After I was assessed as “alcoholic,” a couple folks from Northwest Airlines came by to see me.  They presented a very clear proposition to me; I had a ‘choice’ to make.  I could either fly, or drink, but (now that … Continue reading

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Recovery: The First Days at Hazelden (2)

Dear Ole Dad ‘morted out’ (died) on 12 Dec. 1992.  He died in the VA Hospital in San Antonio; during the night, alone, miserable and somewhat pathetic from what I was told.  Mom called first thing the next morning and … Continue reading

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Recovery: The First Days at Hazelden (1)

Sunday, 31 July 1994 was my first day at Hazelden.  It was spent in the infirmary, as per protocol.  We had to have complete physical workups before entering treatment (for alcoholism). There were 6 “units” when I went through; 4 … Continue reading

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Recovery – Up to Hazelden

Sue took me to De-troit Metro Airport the next day.  I was somewhat scared, in shock, hopeful and whipped.  A lot of emotions raging.  I didn’t want to drink, but I was uneasy as hell… I had been told to … Continue reading

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Recovery – Calling for Help…

After talking with Susan, and Adrian, I called out union rep who worked in our pilot assistance program, and I asked for help.  Now mind you, I didn’t just come out and say, ‘I needed help;’ I took the more … Continue reading

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Recovery – The Beginning

I didn’t get a “scholarship” to the program of recovery from alcoholism.  No DUIs, not court-ordered, nor any ‘work-related issues,’ nor ‘wife-ordered’ – I was just ‘sick-n-tired of being sick-n-tired.’  I would get up in the mornings, or at that … Continue reading

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Back to Work Conditions

When I called Northwest Airlines and asked for help with my drinking, I didn’t care if I ever got into another cockpit ever again.   I was told that if I “come forward,” and asked for help, there was a chance … Continue reading

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