Definition

The Human Intervention Motivational Study (HIMS) is a U.S.-based substance abuse program for pilots that coordinates treatment and the return-to-work process for aviators.

Description

Airline pilots who test positive for alcohol or who are diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder may be referred to the HIMS program for treatment. The HIMS website describes the program as one that "coordinates the identification, treatment, and return-to-work process for affected aviators." The description also says, "It is an industry-wide effort in which managers, pilots, healthcare professionals, and the [U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)] work together to preserve careers and enhance air safety.

The HIMS Process

The HIMS concept involves a process that follows specific steps:

• Identification of the problem
• Intervention
• Treatment
• Continuing care
• Monitoring
• Help in the event of relapse

With successful treatment, a pilot may return to work. The HIMS website says, "The decision to submit the recovering pilot's case for FAA certification action is ultimately made by the medical sponsor. This sponsor is an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) that has been through HIMS training and approved by the FAA to perform this duty."

According to the Alcohol.org website, a recovering pilot who returns to flight status under the HIMS program must demonstrate:

• Ongoing treatment participation
• Continued contact with sponsors (such as peer sponsors or company sponsors)
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Quarterly progress reports
• Annual follow-up assessments

The Disease Model

The HIMS program recognizes alcoholism as a disease. This "Disease Model" notes that chemical dependency is a chronic condition, meaning that it's permanent and prone to relapse. The model describes this dependency as primary, meaning it exists independently and is not secondary to some other underlying mental illness. "Current understanding of this disease is that it is significantly influenced by genetic disposition," the HIMS website says. The site adds, "Other risk factors include age of first exposure to addictive substances, environment, and psychological trauma."

According to the Disease Model, dependency is manifested in three ways:

• Loss of control, meaning a loss of predictability. The individual cannot predict whether he or she will use, how much will be used, and what behavior will result.
• Compulsive use. This is defined as an irrational repetitive act that is done despite a firm intention not to do it.
• Continued use despite adverse consequences. If an individual continues to drink despite adverse consequences, it is assumed that person has begun to enter a disease state.