As most people know, there is a strong connection between substance abuse and mental health disorders. Unfortunately, mental health issues are common among first responders due to the nature of their work.

These professionals are often exposed to uncomfortable situations that most other individuals would not be able to handle. While they are trained to cope with these situations better, they are still at risk of mental health issues. They may exhibit PTSD symptoms and other mental health disorders.

An estimated 30% of emergency responders develop mental health symptoms and behavioral health conditions throughout their career. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are some of the most common behavioral health concerns for firefighters, EMTs, and police officers.

Despite their need for mental health treatment, a lot of people in these professions do not seek treatment because of the stigma surrounding it. They are afraid of being seen as “weak” or ill-equipped for the job. This keeps them from seeking out the treatment that they need. Instead they turn to drug and alcohol abuse, which is seen as a social bonding activity. This may eventually develop into a more serious substance abuse disorder.

First responders typically go through intensive physical training to prepare them for their jobs. But employers also have a responsibility to make sure these professionals are also prepared mentally and emotionally. Employers must take a proactive approach when it comes to protecting their teams’ mental health while working on the front lines.

First responders face unique challenges that push them to their limits, both physically and mentally. Constant exposure to traumatic events is no joke. First responders face stressful and even life-threatening situations while working long hours away from their loved ones. These high-stakes situations can take a toll on anybody, even those who are trained for them.

In fact, police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. PTSD and depression are also 5 times more common among first responders.

For EMTs, the recent situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has made their jobs even more stressful than it already was. They face the pandemic and take care of sick individuals while putting themselves at risk, while also keeping a distance from their own loved ones to make sure they don’t put them in danger.

An estimated 85% of first responders have experienced symptoms of mental health disorders.

The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) emphasizes the importance of taking care of the mental health of first responders to help them avoid the risk of substance use disorder.

Even among police officers, there is a stigma surrounding drug abuse and addiction. A lot of cops find it difficult to understand how addiction is a legitimate medical condition that changes the way the brain operates, making it much more difficult to control your substance use.

Some people develop addiction because they started taking a drug recreationally. Others develop it due to peer pressure, getting hooked the first time they try a certain drug. There are also those who misuse their prescription, even by accident, and end up getting addicted.

No matter how the addiction developed, the truth is that anyone can become addicted. It can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, social status, etc.

Addiction can even affect those who are working in law enforcement. Substance abuse and high stress careers have a correlation, studies have revealed. Police officers are exposed to life-and-death situations on a regular basis. They are often exposed to periods of violence, which are then followed by long and mind-numbing periods of paperwork.

If this type of stress is left unaddressed for a long time, it can build up and develop into PTSD. Police officers routinely face stress and trauma because of their occupation. They witness murder, domestic violence, suicide, etc. This is why they are at higher risk of drug abuse compared to the general population.

Some police officers start self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to try to address their emotional condition. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that most cops have access to illicit drugs when they respond to overdose calls or arrest drug dealers, etc. This is when addiction becomes a real possibility for them.

Aside from work-related stress, there is also a social factor to it. Many police officers drink to fit in with their peers, for example, or to be a team player during social events. However, stress and trauma are still the biggest contributors to their risk of alcohol abuse and drug abuse.

Firefighters spend a lot of time saving civilians from burning buildings. Just like police officers, they are exposed to physical and psychological trauma due to their profession. They risk lung damage, smoke inhalation, severe burns, and other serious injuries due to their job. On top of all this, firefighters also face long work shifts and traumatizing calls.

Countless firefighters end up developing mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. It is not uncommon for them to turn to drugs and alcohol to relieve their symptoms.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, up to 29% of firefighters engage in drug and alcohol abuse. They also reported that up to 10% of firefighters abuse substances like prescription drugs.

Compared to the general population, firefighters have a much higher rate of heavy alcohol consumption and binge drinking. There’s even the so-called “fire station culture” wherein alcohol intake is viewed as an act of camaraderie and peer support. Firefighters use it to manage stress and wind down after a long and difficult day. It is a coping strategy for them.

Unfortunately, this gives way to even bigger problems down the line such as alcohol addiction or drug addiction.

EMTs and paramedics are dispatched to scenes of emergencies to provide quick medical support to survivors. These usually include traumatic incidents like fires, car accidents, stabbings, shootings, or personal injuries.

EMTs serve 24-hour shifts. They also have a huge responsibility, dealing with life and death situations that affect their patients. They often have to make critical decisions in the heat of the moment. Similar to firefighters and police officers they also face occupational hazards–not just physical, but also mental and emotional ones.

They have a higher risk of developing mental health issues than the general population. In fact, SAMHSA reports that 36% of EMS workers suffer from depression while 72% of them suffer from sleep deprivation. PTSD is also common, with more than 20% of EMTs struggling with this condition.

Compared to other emergency responders, paramedics and EMTs actually have a much higher rate of drug abuse. This may be due to easy access to highly addictive substances like prescription medications, plus the trauma and stress they go through on a regular basis.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse is the first step in helping a loved one get the help they need. If your loved one is a first responder, they are at greater risk of drug addiction and alcohol addiction, and they may not be ready to receive treatment.

Loved ones are often the first to point out the changes in a person’s behavior or appearance. These signs and symptoms may be different for each individual, but you may be able to notice subtle changes in their behavior before anyone else does because you are the most familiar with their normal behavior. The signs of drug or alcohol abuse can be physical or behavioral.

You may notice changes in their appearance or hygiene. Addicted individuals tend to prioritize their drug of choice over everything else, losing interest in things they used to enjoy. They may begin to neglect their responsibilities in favor of abusing the substance. Most of their time will be spent seeking out, using, or thinking about the drug.

Being secretive or lying about their whereabouts or who they are hanging out with may be a sign of substance abuse. Hiding drug paraphernalia around the house is another potential indicator.

Look out for changes in their appearance and physical health. They may suddenly lose or gain weight for no apparent reason, or they may have dilated pupils due to drug use.

You should also watch out for different signs of mental illness. The symptoms may vary depending on what mental health disorder they are suffering from.

If a person is struggling with addiction and a mental health disorder at the same time, this is called a dual diagnosis. It can be hard to recognize without a professional’s medical opinion, but it is a complex medical condition that is far too common.

As the addiction progresses, the person may also struggle financially or develop worsening physical and mental health problems. You may have to set up an intervention with their loved ones to help them see the destructive effects of their behavior and allow them to receive treatment.

Just like anybody else, an emergency responder who becomes addicted requires proper addiction treatment. Even first responders need help too.

There are many treatment services out there, and there are plenty of treatment options available for emergency responders, such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medical detox, and alternative treatment services.

Treatment can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. This depends on the person’s specific condition. Those with more severe conditions that require round the clock care from healthcare professionals should go for inpatient treatment or residential rehab. This is a safe and comfortable environment where they can learn healthy coping mechanisms while their withdrawal symptoms are managed by medical professionals. Here they can focus on getting better without having to worry about their usual triggers and stressors.

Outpatient treatment is less intensive, but it allows first responders to receive addiction treatment while still keeping up with their job. However, this is only suitable for those with mild to moderate substance use problems.

Rehab facilities may offer different programs to address the effects of addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy are some of the most common ones. Patients can also enter 12-step programs to get support from a community of people who understand what they are going through.

In fact, there are certain facilities that specialize in treating first responders. These rehab facilities recognize the unique needs of emergency personnel. They have programs that are specifically designed for them.

First responders have vastly unique experiences and challenges that are different from the general population. They are exposed to trauma, injury, loss, guilt, and death on a regular basis. This can be physically and emotionally draining. They need a peer support group that knows exactly what they are going through.

Peer support groups provide a safe and comfortable environment that offers support as they discuss their successes, struggles, and fears. They can share their knowledge and experiences with a group who will listen, support, and understand their situation better than anyone else.

The goal of rehab is not just to help the patient get sober again, but to also equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to maintain their sobriety in the long run. Relapse prevention and aftercare are just as important as every other part of treatment.

The American Society for Addiction Medicine recommends addiction treatment programs that specifically address these unique needs for first responders. Look for a rehab facility near you today and learn more about what you can do to support your loved one as they go on their journey towards recovery.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.