Addiction & Trauma Treatment for First Responders

First responders, such as firefighters, EMS professionals such as paramedics, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers, and law enforcement officials such as police officers, face a number of stressors and traumatic situations in their work. Chronic exposure to trauma, job stress, and burnout (extreme exhaustion and overwhelm) can increase first responders’ risk of substance use, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other undesirable outcomes.^1,2 

The link between the trauma experiences of first responders, substance use, and mental health disorders is clear. For example, research shows that first responders who worked the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced problematic substance use due to factors such as work pressure, poor workplace support, and COVID-related strategies like compensation during quarantine.³ Additionally, studies show that during that same time, many first responders also experienced increased feelings of sadness and anxiety, along with a reluctance to ask for help.⁴

First Responders and Addiction

First responders share unique experiences through their work on the front lines; and while they are often able to help provide a positive outcome, they also bear witness to an incredible amount of trauma, loss, and destruction on a regular basis, and often experience the following:⁵ 

• Chronic stress
• Working long hours
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of isolation
• Physical aches and pains
• Workplace hazards, such as fearing for their life

The immense emotional toll that being a first responder can place upon a person can leave behind these and other effects that can quickly become too overwhelming to manage on one’s own. For many first responders, it may seem that a quick and easy way to get some relief from the burden of their job can be through the misuse of drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, drinking alcohol or using drugs to cope never works, and often leads to the development of further issues.

Stigma About Addiction Among First Responders

Actual and perceived stigma—negative or discriminating attitudes and behaviors based on certain personal traits—often prevents many first responders from seeking the treatment they need for a drug or alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is not uncommon for first responders to place value on being able to tolerate physical and mental trauma, so they may avoid asking for help because they feel like it may make them appear “weak”.²

Another barrier to getting help is the “suck it up” mentality that is sometimes reinforced among first responders and by their job. For example, it is a common expectation for officers involved in “shots fired” situations to return to work after 3 days off (if there is no injury).² Further, the inherent nature of their line of work leaves little room for downtime in between traumatic events. This can make it especially hard to effectively work through and process any work-related traumas.¹

Barriers to Addiction Treatment for First Responders

Other barriers to treatment may include:¹

• Cost of care.
• Insurance not covering certain costs.
• Lack of transportation.
• Trouble getting time off work.
• Poor access to treatment.
• Fear of employment repercussions.
• Lack of trust and privacy concerns.

Trauma & Other Co-Occurring Disorders Among First Responders

As previously mentioned, first responders face unique occupational mental health risks that other occupations may not. This puts them at a higher risk of developing PTSD, depression, substance use disorders, and other behavioral disorders.¹ When a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder occur at the same time, it is considered a co-occurring disorder.⁶

Research shows a connection between mental health and substance use disorders. In fact, people with mental health disorders are more likely to develop a substance use disorder than those who don’t experience mental illness.⁶ A 2015 study estimated that roughly 30% of first responders develop behavioral health disorders, such as PTSD or depression, compared to 20% of the general population.²

Co-Occurring PTSD & Addiction Among First Responders

Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD and substance use are directly linked.^7,8 In fact, research shows that people who have PTSD are more likely to misuse substances like drugs and alcohol.⁷ Both PTSD and substance misuse are highly prevalent among first responders, mostly due to some of the reasons previously mentioned. When anyone, including first responders, have both an addiction and PTSD, it is known as a co-occurring disorder. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition characterized by lasting symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can range in severity; some common symptoms include:²

• Intrusive and distressing memories of traumatic events.
• Changes in mood and thoughts, including feelings of shame, guilt, or overwhelm.
• Changes in behavior, including aggressive and self-destructive behavior.
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions, including an increase in angry outbursts and irritability.
• Feeling “on guard.”
• Problems sleeping or concentrating.
• Becoming easily startled or scared.
• Nightmares.

Misusing substances while also experiencing PTSD can make these symptoms worse and complicate an already difficult situation.⁸ Unfortunately, both PTSD and substance use disorders can develop as a result of environmental factors, such as one’s workplace and the daily stressors he or she experiences.⁹

Co-Occurring Depression & Addiction Among First Responders

Depression, like PTSD, is also a common mental health condition experienced among first responders. Barriers to mental health care, social pressure of working in a male-dominated profession for women, and experiencing natural and technical disasters are some of the factors that can cause the development of depression in first responders.¹⁰ Like PTSD and addiction, addiction and depression that is co-occurring can make one’s overall situation more challenging.

Depression is a disorder that impacts many people and the symptoms of depression can range in severity. These symptoms may include:¹¹

• Feeling hopeless, sad, or anxious.
• Sleep problems.
• Fatigue and loss of energy.
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless.
• Appetite or weight changes.
• Decrease in psychomotor activity (talking, walking, moving).
• Physical aches and pains.
• Digestion issues.
• Irritability.

How to Help a First Responder with Addiction

Helping a first responder with addiction find the right treatment for them can feel challenging, especially if they are resistant to getting help. However, there are many things you can do to help them get the treatment they need, including:

• Remain non-judgmental and non-confrontational when interacting. 
• Ask if you can help with some of their daily responsibilities or tasks.
• Offer to make some calls to find out more about treatment options in the area. 
• Provide them with some basic information about addiction recovery, such as common therapies used in treatment and what levels of care are available. 

You can get started on helping a first responder with treatment by reaching out to us at American Addiction Centers right now. Call to speak with one of our compassionate admissions navigators who can offer guidance and support.

Finding Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs for First Responders

Effective treatment must address all aspects of a person, and for first responders, this means addressing factors unique to them such as exposure to trauma and other factors listed above.¹² These factors, such as long work hours and physical demands of the job, may add recovery challenges for first responders that the general population may not have to address.

The good news is that addiction treatment for first responders exists. Treatment can occur at a detox, inpatient, or outpatient setting, and usually involves some kind of aftercare. American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers first responder rehab programs where you will be in the company of other first responders who understand what you are going through.

Start the Recovery Journey

If you have been helping everyone else, but now it’s time for you to help yourself, call us right now. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you build a strong foundation for your recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. Call us today for free and at no-obligation so you can get answers to any questions you may have. We are here to support you. Call us now at .