The Silent Struggles of a Railroad Worker

February 3rd, 2025

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”.