Sepcialized addiction treatment for first responders, including clinical interventions, peer group therapy and coping with primary and secondary traumas.Quoted From: https://serenitylane.org/treatment-programs/addiction-treatment-for-first-responders/
"Destroying the Stigma of Addiction Treatment
First responders face truly unique and challenging work conditions. They have seen and dealt with things that others can only imagine. This is just as true for the inner-city urban police officer as it is for the small-town EMT. Through mental strength and physical training, first responders are able to respond and react to traumatic events in a level-headed way that directly saves lives. They often use this mental strength to internalize trauma.
It has been estimated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is compared to a 20% rate of occurrence in the general population. While it is important to note that not all first responders develop PTSD, they are undoubtedly exposed to traumatic events (violence, natural disasters, mass casualties) at a much higher rate than the general public.
Because of this increased rate in the presence of PTSD in first responders, it is very important for you and your loved ones to be able to spot the symptoms of the disorder. Common symptoms of PTSD may include hypersensitivity, social withdrawal, depression, and insomnia.
Along with this, there may often be unique pressures and challenges stemming from first responder work culture. There is an understandable mistrust of mental healthcare professionals. First responders build a close camaraderie or brotherhood out of necessity, leading to an understandable skepticism towards any outsiders.
Mental healthcare professionals are often seen as an outside force that can cause workers to lose pay and even lose their job. Because of this stigma, problems with mental health and addiction are often dealt with in-house by organizations that may not have the necessary tools for effective treatment.
The first step toward effective addiction treatment is gaining trust."
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