Alcohol Abuse in First Responders

First responders are a lifeline for all of us, providing critical services to protect us and to save lives. They deal with unimaginable situations every day, but unfortunately, at the end of the day, many first responders turn to alcohol to deal with the stress of their jobs. This alcohol use often progresses into alcohol abuse, requiring intervention and treatment.

First Responder Alcohol Abuse Rates

Several studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of alcohol abuse and other substance abuse among first responders.

Alcohol abuse is the most common substance abuse problem among police officers. One study found that around 18% of male officers and 16% of female officers reported experiencing negative consequences from alcohol use. Nearly 8% of officers met the formal criteria for lifetime alcohol dependence.

Among firefighters, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that as many as 29% reported alcohol abuse.

Other first responders have also been found to have higher substance abuse rates than the general population. Overall, the majority of studies show that around 30% of all first responders have a substance abuse disorder, whether alcohol or drugs.

What Leads to Alcohol Abuse in First Responders?

It’s well known in the mental health community that many people who abuse alcohol suffer from a mental health disorder. Alcohol is a way to self-medicate the symptoms of these disorders.

Among first responders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are common. This is likely the number one reason for the elevated alcohol abuse rates of the group. It’s easy to understand how PTSD and depression develop in these brave people, who regularly encounter traumatic and often sad situations.

Additionally, many first responders suffer from sleep deprivation, which can worsen the symptoms of mental health disorders, thus increasing the use of alcohol to ease the symptoms.

Social factors also play a role in alcohol abuse in first responders, particularly among police officers and firefighters. Drinking alcohol together is a bonding experience, and a way to blow off steam after work.

The Stigma

Unfortunately, many first responders who struggle with alcohol do not seek treatment, in large part because of the stigma around alcohol abuse. The impression of people with alcohol abuse is often that they are weak or damaged in some way. For first responders, who are actually very strong and capable people, this stigma leads to hiding or not acknowledging that they have a problem with alcohol. They fear being perceived as weak by the community.

First responders also often feel that their jobs may be at risk if they seek time off for treatment. However, in the first responder leadership community, mental health and substance abuse issues are well known and resources are provided to workers.

Treatment for First Responder Alcohol Abuse

If you are a first responder struggling with alcohol use, you should understand your treatment options. The first step when you contact a treatment provider will be an assessment to discover your unique needs and to create a treatment plan that is personalized for you. If you have an underlying mental health condition, you’ll be treated for that as well.

Treatment comes in several structures.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment options are a short-term detox program in which you are kept safe and comfortable during the alcohol withdrawal period, or a 30 to 90 day program that consists of intensive therapy for both your alcohol use disorder and any co-occurring disorders that you may have. Medication may be part of the treatment.

Therapy will be both individual and group therapy. In group therapy, you’ll learn more about the nature of your addiction, receive cognitive behavioral therapy, and share your experiences and challenges with peers. Within the group, you will likely form mutually supportive relationships with a few people.

In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which you’ll also have individually, you’ll learn to recognize the negative thoughts and emotions that contributed to your alcohol abuse, and to challenge these thoughts and emotions with positive thinking and healthy coping mechanisms. CBT is evidence-based, meaning that there is scientific evidence that it is effective.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is an outpatient program that allows you to live at home while attending therapy daily for four to six hours per day. The program may last anywhere from four to ten weeks.

A PHP program is often a transitional step after inpatient treatment, but it can be a standalone treatment option as well when inpatient treatment is not an option.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of two to three hours of therapy three days a week for eight to twelve weeks. You may be able to find a program with sessions at convenient times so that you can still work.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be a follow up to inpatient treatment, a PHP, or both.

Support Groups

After treatment, most find it helpful to continue to attend support group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. This keeps you connected with peers with whom you can form mutually supportive relationships. Your community may even have support groups specifically for first responders.

Comprehensive Treatment

A comprehensive treatment program, which is proven to be the most effective option, consists of an inpatient program followed by a PHP and an IOP. After the program, support groups can help you to maintain sobriety. Recovery from alcohol addiction, or any addiction, is a lifelong process.

In Closing

First responders do what most of us cannot imagine, but they often struggle to cope with the trauma they witness and turn to alcohol.

If you are a first responder battling alcohol abuse, Bridges of Hope is here to help. We have successfully combined forces with Worldwide Peer Support to launch a program for first responders in treatment at Bridges of Hope. Individuals who have served, or are currently serving, as first responders are able to complete our program with some added trauma-informed interventions and peer sessions.

Give us a call today to learn more. It will be the first step on a journey to a happier, healthier you.