By P. Casey Arrillaga, LCSW, LCDC
Railroad work is hard and hazardous. Some of the hazards that are less commonly considered are addiction, including alcohol abuse, and other mental health issues. This blog post looks at some of the dangers and concerns, and what can be done to help.
What We Know So Far
Railroad work has always been a physically demanding and high-stress occupation that requires exceptional levels of focus, precision, and stamina. Employees are responsible for maintaining the safety of massive machinery, keeping strict schedules yet often being on call 24 hours a day, and navigating potential hazards. Adding to this is the fact that the railroad often carries hazardous materials in large quantities through inhabited areas, making most of the jobs on the railroad safety-sensitive positions. Such positions are under federal scrutiny, which only adds to the pressure. Thus, railroad workers face significant challenges that may contribute to the risk of substance abuse and other mental health issues, including intense workloads, irregular hours, and workplace pressures.
Many employees work in isolated or remote locations, away from family and social support networks, which can compound feelings of loneliness or anxiety. These conditions create a fertile environment for substance abuse and other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Alcohol and drug abuse have historically been concerns in the transportation industry, including the railroad sector. Substances such as alcohol or stimulants like amphetamines are sometimes used by workers to combat fatigue or "unwind" after long shifts. On the other hand, opioids and painkillers may be misused to manage injuries commonly sustained in a physically demanding job.
While railroad employees may believe substance use is helpful, it can actually lead to impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and reduced alertness. This can result in accidents, injuries, or fatalities, posing dangers not only to the worker but also to passengers and the general public. Since railroad work often involves operating heavy machinery and adhering to detailed regulations, substance-induced impairment can lead to catastrophic errors.
Unfortunately, all this is made even worse by the fact that the culture of railroad work is one that encourages silence about personal issues, with many employees fearing how they will be viewed by other employees and their bosses. This leads to employees suffering in silence, thinking they are stuck in a cycle that has no hope. All too often, the silence is only broken when there is an accident or positive drug test, which means that help doesn’t come until people’s lives and health have been put at significant risk. Many railroad employees have lost their jobs, limbs, or lives as a result.
In an effort to combat this, railroads have implemented stringent drug and alcohol testing protocols and safety standards mandated by federal agencies such as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Random testing, pre-employment screening, and post-accident tests aim to deter and identify substance abuse.
Additionally, many railroad companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide confidential counseling, addiction treatment referrals, and support for workers struggling with substance abuse and other mental health issues.
How Do We Use This Knowledge to Help People?
At Windmill, we are proud to have helped hundreds of railroad workers find assistance and relief in a confidential healing environment. We offer some of the best treatment in the country, and we are very experienced in working with EAP’s, SAP’s, and railroad companies. We help eligible railroad employees get their Railroad Retirement Board and short-term disability benefits to ease financial concerns while they are in treatment.
All of this allows railroad employees to concentrate on healing from whatever issues get between them and the life they want to live. We offer extensive support while they are at Windmill, and then we continue to support them after they leave. In addition to our extensive alumni program for all clients, we have private meetings for railroad and other safety-sensitive alumni and a private social media group for railroad workers to support each other as they continue to build their best lives after treatment.
The Bottom Line
Railroad work is a high-stress, hazardous occupation that often leads to substance abuse and mental health issues due to irregular hours, intense workloads, and isolation. Alcohol, stimulants, and painkillers are commonly misused by workers to cope with fatigue, stress, or injuries, but these substances impair judgment and pose serious safety risks. Programs like Windmill Wellness Ranch offer confidential treatment and long-term support to help railroad workers recover and build healthier lives. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out today.
About The Author
P. Casey Arrillaga is the Team Leader for Education at Windmill Wellness Ranch, and he is the author of books including “Realistic Hope: The Family Survival Guide for Facing Alcoholism and Other Addictions”.
Created specifically for those who have loved ones that struggle with addiction.