Breaking the silence: Battling addiction in the yachting industry
Addiction is a word often surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Our mission is to change this by opening up the conversation.
The yachting industry is built on high standards, perfection, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. The long hours, constant demands, and physical isolation can create an environment where unhealthy coping mechanisms take hold, such as addition.
What makes this an even more complex issue is the culture of silence that surrounds it. Addiction is rarely spoken about and crew often feel unable to share their struggles for fear of judgement, or risking their career. This leaves many battling in the shadows, believing they have nowhere to turn.
Our mission is to open up the conversation and provide the knowledge and tools needed to support a healthier, more compassionate community for everyone.
What is addiction?
Addiction is often misunderstood, so let’s get one thing clear – addiction is not a weakness, lack of willpower, or a flaw in someone’s character. It’s a complex health issue that affects the brain and behaviour.
It develops over time, often as a response to stress, trauma, or underlying mental health struggles, and it can affect anyone – regardless of their background or role.
The use of substances often begins as a way to relax, escape stress, or feel a sense of reward, but over time this can rewire the brain’s reward system. This makes it increasingly difficult for someone to stop, even when they want to.
Addiction can take many forms. For some, it might be dependence on alcohol, the use of recreational drugs, or prescription medication. For others, it can manifest through behavioural patterns such as gambling or even excessive technology use.
In the yachting industry, where alcohol-fuelled socialising, high stress levels and isolation are common, these risks can be heightened. By understanding what addiction truly is, we can start to break down stigma and create a culture where crew members feel safe to seek help without fear of judgement.
Identifying the signs.
One of the most powerful tools in fighting addiction is awareness. Addiction rarely appears overnight, it gradually develops and the early signs can often be overlooked or misinterpreted. By learning to recognise the patterns, we can intervene sooner.
The warning signs might not always be obvious; it could simply start with small changes in a person’s mood or personality. For example, someone who used to enjoy socialising may suddenly become withdrawn, or stop participating in social situations.
Physical changes can also indicate signs of addiction. This can present in many ways such as weight fluctuations, persistent tiredness, or a noticeable decline in personal appearance and hygiene.
At times, these behaviours may become more concerning, such as secrecy around routines, unexplained absences, or engaging in risk-taking behaviours that seem out of character for the individual.
It’s important to remember that any one of these changes on its own does not necessarily mean someone is struggling with addiction. What truly matters is recognising when these start to become patterns, and when it’s time to be concerned about a crew member.
Where you can turn.
The first step in a road to recovery often begins with recognising the signs of addiction. The next, and often hardest, step is knowing where to go from there.
Many crew are all too familiar with the feeling of being far from home, working long hours, and having little to no privacy. These conditions can leave individuals feeling isolated, or like they don’t have a safe outlet to confide in, which in turn can lead them down a darker path.
But help is out there and no one needs to face the journey alone. That’s why organisations such as The Crew Mess exist. Designed to be your first port of call and a confidential way to access professional support. Visits can be held on board, or over zoom.
For those seeking a more intensive recovery pathway, The Soor is pioneering high-impact programmes that focus on reshaping beliefs, breaking destructive habits, and empowering individuals to take charge of their lives. Their approach is designed to create long-term, sustainable change.
You can also find support through specialised crew organisations such as Yacht Crew Help, or in-person recovery centres such as Twin Rivers for those of you that are based in South Africa. Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to speak to someone directly, you can always access free Mental Health Resources on ISWAN’s website.
No matter where you are in the world, support is closer than you might think. From local rehabs and AA groups to online recovery networks, the internet is a powerful tool for finding help – whether in person or virtually.
We are also seeing more vessels implementing wellbeing initiatives for their crew through their management company or crew agency. For example, at The Crew Hunter, we fully fund mental health training for all crew placed by our team, as well as every student who studies through The Crew Academy. Together, we are working to make yachting a healthier, safer, and more compassionate industry for all.
Educating yourself.
Whether you’re seeking advice for yourself or trying to support a loved one, one of the most effective ways to support someone through recovery is by educating yourself first. Understanding addiction and mental health challenges gives you the tools to respond with empathy, awareness, and practical support.
This is where programs such as The Crew Academy’s mental health training programs play such a vital role in spreading awareness and breaking the stigma. We offer 3 core programs, each designed to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in the industry.
1 – Addiction & Recovery program.
This program is free for all crew, and is designed to provide students with knowledge on the signs of addiction, why relapses occur, and how to create a safe and supportive environment.
2 – Mental Health Wellbeing & Awareness
This program focuses on helping individuals to understand the impact of stress and isolation at sea, and providing them with practical strategies to maintain a positive wellbeing.
3 – Command Mental Health Awareness
This session is aimed at leaders in yachting and covers topics around how to support your team, handle sensitive conversations and build a culture of care within your team.
When was the last time you or your crew received real advice on how to look after your mental health? If you can’t remember, then it’s probably long overdue.
These programmes are about so much more than just training – they’re an investment in yourself, your career, your team, and your long-term wellbeing.
By taking part, you not only safeguard your own resilience but also contribute to building a stronger, healthier and more compassionate yachting community.
Want an exclusive discount on your 3-day mental health bundle? Email info@yachtcrew.uk today to book your courses at a reduced price.
