Police Officers and Drug Addiction

Police officers and other emergency workers such as first responders often face an increased risk for developing a drug addiction due to trauma. Some common triggers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often a part of daily life for police officers, including the following:

• Exposure to death
• Proximity to explosions and gunfire
• Physical abuse and attacks
• High speed car chases

In addition to facing these PTSD triggers, police officers often have access to controlled substances, which can lead to an increased potential for drug addiction.

Challenges that Addicted Police Officers Face

Police officers often face unique challenges related to recognizing their need for addiction help and recovery, including the following:

• The fear of losing one’s job or being ineligible for a promotion may keep officers from seeking help for addiction
• The police force is traditionally a proud, self-reliant and tough group of people who may especially struggle to admit that they need help
• The uncertainty about where officers can turn to receive confidential assistance may keep them from seeking help

Confidential and Effective Addiction Treatment for Police Officers

In recent years, high-risk employment groups such as the police, military, EMTs and other first responders have begun to accept the fact that PTSD should be identified and addressed as a disease. This disease is both physical and psychological and police officers who struggle with it should not be seen as weak by their coworkers or supervisors. With the proper help, an officer can find peace of mind and physical health after PTSD and addiction.

Effective recovery programs can confidentially treat officers with a variety of specialized therapies, including the following:

• Private counseling
• Family counseling, if applicable
• Support group meetings
• Education about the disease
• Respite from the stress of the job
• Spiritual and holistic care
• Tactical training for ongoing recovery after treatment

Help for Police Officers with Drug Addiction

If you or someone you love is a police officer struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please call our toll-free helpline now. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about confidential treatment, as well as logistical concerns related to insurance coverage, getting time off and transportation. You may remain completely anonymous when you call and our staff will treat you with the respect you have earned.

People who suffer from cancer, broken bones or the flu do not feel ashamed to seek medical help, so you should not allow the stigma of addiction or PTSD keep you from getting the help you need. We are here to help. Please call now.