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First Responders Addiction Treatment

Learn about drug abuse in first responders and the resources and effective treatment options available.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Do First Responders Start Abusing Drugs and Alcohol?
  2. Challenges First Responders Face
  3. Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in First Responders
  4. Job Security and Addiction Treatment for First Responders
  5. Resources
drug abuse in first responders

Work-Related Stress

Although essential to community health and safety, these heroic duties of first responders are often emotionally and physically draining. Regular exposure to death, life-threatening situations, and devastation, coupled with working long hours (sometimes forty-eight-hour shifts) under abnormally stressful conditions, significantly impact one’s mental health. However, first responders are some of the last to seek mental health or addiction treatment help.

PTSD

Studies show first responders are at an increased risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other issues with mental health. Data from 2022 suggests that 24% of dispatchers and 35% of police officers have PTSD. In addition, it is estimated that 10% of paramedics and 37% of firefighters meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.1

    Challenges First Responders Face

    First responders encounter many different challenges on a daily basis that can significantly affect their mental health. From experiencing traumatic events at work to struggling with adverse mental health symptoms at home, these difficulties stretch across many aspects of their lives.

    The most common challenges first responders face (often directly related to on-the-job experiences) include depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts.

    Stigmas

    There is an unfortunate and dangerous stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace. The idea that first responders and emergency services workers must remain strong, brave, and able to handle the most demanding situations prevents them from seeking and getting the help they need. A survey by the University of Phoenix found that 57% of first responders believe they will face repercussions for seeking mental health counseling. 2

    Stress

    Stress is a common factor that affects many first responders’ mental health. Stress can be acute or chronic and lead to various mental health conditions. As symptoms of these conditions worsen, it is not uncommon for alcohol abuse and drug abuse to develop from harmful coping mechanisms.

    Suicide

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that first responders are more likely to die by suicide than from injury sustained in the line of duty. Recent data shows that first responders are approximately 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than members of the public.3

    Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in First Responders

    Signs of drug addiction or alcoholism in first responders can be physical, psychological, and behavioral. The first signs are often physical. Early signs of abuse include:

    • Changes in appearance
    • Dilated pupils
    • Weight changes
    • Significant changes in physical and mental health
    • Changes in personal hygiene
    • The presence of drug paraphernalia

    Late signs of drug addiction or alcohol addiction may include legal and financial problems and a further decline in mental and physical health.

    Alcohol Use and Police Officers

    Police officers have challenging jobs. Research shows their work consistently ranks among the most stressful occupations. Therefore, it is unsurprising that police officers turn to alcohol to cope with stress and mental health challenges. One study found that 7.8% of officers had abused alcohol or were dependent on alcohol at one point in their lives.4

    Substance Use and Paramedics and EMTs

    Although paramedics and EMTs care for people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, substance abuse among first responders is not uncommon. Their work exposes them to significant emotional trauma, resulting in higher rates of mental illness and substance use disorders.

    A study examining mental health issues in first responders found that 29.6% of paramedics had depression, 24.5% had PTSD, and 10.3% had panic disorder. These conditions can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder.5

    Substance Abuse and Firefighters

    Firefighters’ jobs increase their risk for trauma, injury, and mental health challenges, such as PTSD and anxiety. Many who struggle with these disorders often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. In 2017, nearly 50% of male firefighters and 39.5% of female firefighters reported binge drinking.6

    Job Security and Addiction Treatment for First Responders

    Many first responders fear that seeking addiction or mental health treatment will lead to job loss. Fortunately, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employment for those who seek treatment for various disorders, such as substance use and mental health disorders.

    The ADA requires all employers to work actively with their employees to ensure they have access to the help they need. This may include helping navigate the challenges of requesting time off using the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or providing time off.

    Treatment to Help First Responders

    Addiction treatment for first responders is similar to treatment for others with mental health and substance use disorders. For most, addiction treatment includes detoxification and therapy in either an inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab center.

    In addition to evidence-based therapeutic models like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), medication-assisted treatment and peer support groups, such as 12-Step programs, are helpful, especially when the groups consist of individuals from similar professions.

    Resources for First Responders

    In addition to treatment at a facility like Great Oaks Recovery Center, various nationwide organizations are available to provide support and guidance for first responders seeking recovery. Below is a list of services you can ask your primary care or mental health provider:7

    • PTSD Foundation of America
    • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
    • National Suicide Prevention Hotline
    • The Salvation Army
    • Employee Assistance Programs
    Drug addiction

    Treatment at Great Oaks Recovery Center

    We rely on first responders to be a source of strength and support during our darkest moments. It is vital to ensure they receive the help and guidance they need to maintain physical and mental health. If you are a first responder struggling with addiction, contact us at Great Oaks Recovery Center to learn more about our specialized addiction treatment programs for first responders.

    Resources

    1. https://cfah.org/ptsd-statistics/
    2. https://www.phoenix.edu/media-center/press-release/university-of-phoenix-survey-finds-more-than-half-of-first-responders-feel-there-are-job-repercussions-for-seeking-professional-mental-health-counseling.html
    3. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2021/04/06/suicides-first-responders/
    4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3592498/
    5. https://www.jems.com/operations/groundbreaking-data-collected-on-mental-health-of-first-responders/
    6. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf
    7. https://adata.org/factsheet/ada-addiction-and-recovery

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