Drug And Alcohol Rehabs For Law Enforcement & First Responders In the United States

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation for Members of Law Enforcement within the United States

Members of law enforcement and other first responders face very high levels of stress, and are exposed different dangerous situations throughout his or her career.

Despite these agencies offering internal services to their members, there is still a high percentage of members of law enforcement and first responders that turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with the stress from the job. It has been reported within the United States that this particular group is increasingly suffering from substance abuse and other addictive problems that face the individual and or his or her family.

What type of specialized care is provided for police officers, firefighters, correction's officers, and EMTs? 

Throughout the United States, there are numerous drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that offer specific counseling and therapy for this group of individuals. This will include therapists and industry professionals whom have made a career out of helping law enforcement members work through moderate or serious addictions, and other psychological problems. Both residential and outpatient centers within the United States offer some of these services and programs, which do include detox for all types of addiction. Referrals to treatment will typically happen internally, unless the person is searching for help outside of their place of employment.

How is the coordination done with the employers?

Most drug and alcohol treatment centers who specialize in treating law enforcement members will coordinate with his or her employer by providing ongoing progress reports, assessments, and assisting them with transitioning back into their jobs. If the patient is seeking help directly through their employer, then this is a regular process where as the employer can ensure their law enforcement personnel can return to work, be healthy physically and mentally, and continue to succeed within their job. Because there is a great deal of on-going stress and contributing factors to these issues, there will always be help provided to law enforcement members who are struggling with addiction and other mental-health problems.

How the underlying mental health issues are handled along with the addiction?

It is very common that many law enforcement members will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anger problems, difficulty coping with violence, and intense guilt and shame. PTSD is a contributing factor, which keeps a person addicted to drugs and alcohol as it is very difficult to cope with the on-going stress and circumstances within the job. These underlying mental-health problems are specifically addressed by professionals with years of experience, who are qualified to treat all the primary problems, and help the patient become fully rehabilitated, and begin to lead a happy and successful life.