A Study of Alcoholism As an Occupational Hazard of Merchant Seamen

Abstract

Heavy drinking is common among merchant seamen, and drinking behaviours which may arouse unfavourable comment otherwise are not infrequent and "accepted" as normal. The risk of alcoholism seems therefore to be a greater hazard than with most other occupations, the more so perhaps as the personalities of many seamen show a number of personality traits often found also in alcoholics. In view of this occupational hazard a programme directed at education, prophylaxis and early diagnosis seems called for. In contrast to most other occupations the opportunity of observing prodromal and early symptoms, perhaps years before alcoholism becomes fully established, seems to offer a good opportunity for early diagnosis. Like other alcoholics, so also those who are merchant seamen can recover in particular when treatment and after-care is carried out in collaboration with A.A.