IFATCA Policy is:

IFATCA views substance abuse with concern and cautions MAs against it.

A programme of education of substance abuse should be made available to air traffic controllers by their employer in consultation with the MA.

All appropriate safeguards and redress procedures should be established before the introduction of any mandatory drug-test scheme.

Mandatory drug tests, subject to the provisions above, are acceptable on initial recruitment of air traffic controllers to prevent any erosion of entry medical standards.

Mandatory drug tests, subject to the provisions above, of air traffic controllers in an ATC accident are acceptable in order to demonstrate positively their medical fitness at the time.

Any air traffic controller subjected to a drug test should receive a sealed identical sample in order to obtain an independent analysis paid by the employer.

A programme of rehabilitation from substance abuse should be made available to an air traffic controller where a problem is recognised. This programme should be set up and conducted in consultation with the MA in order to maintain the confidence and preserve the employment in ATC of the individual concerned.