First Responders and Addiction

First responders are the first ones through the door when a crisis happens.  Be it a robbery, building fire, auto accident, domestic battery, death, or sexual assault, the first responders are the ones expected to take care of it.  First responders see people at their worst, and little is ever discussed about their mental health and personal care.  Is there any wonder why first responders may turn to alcohol or other substances to cope? 

A 2019 study showed the rate of PTSD among police officers to be as high as 15% (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358175/).  Another study in Police Quarterly found that 19% of police officers experienced “severe levels of emotional exhaustion” and 13% experienced extreme levels of depersonalization (http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177.1098611119828038). A 2017 study showed that “recent heavy or binge alcohol drinking was reported in approximately 50% of male firefighters and DWI was reported in 9% of male firefighters (Haddock, Poston, Jahnke, & Jitnarin, 2017).

In addition to having a higher probability of developing PTSD, mental health care has been stigmatized by first responders.  It is common for first responders to avoid asking for help.  When it comes to alcohol and substance use, asking for help may prevent you from losing your job, legal consequences, and family breakup.  First responders need to be encouraged to ask for help and to understand that it is not a sign of weakness.  Asking for help is one of the most courageous things you can do to move forward and have a better life.

If you are ready to move forward or just want some information please call me to scheduled your free session.