Addiction and Mental Health Issues Unique to First Responders
First responders witness a wide range of traumatic events and life-threatening situations, such as natural disasters, mass shootings and wildfires. These events often happen in their own communities, which can increase stress levels. Although these situations affect everyone differently, they can cause certain mental health conditions that severely impact a person’s ability to function in daily life.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 30% of first responders struggle with behavioral health concerns, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to 20% of the general population. First responders, particularly police officers and firefighters, are also at an increased risk of struggling with alcohol abuse.
First responders are often lauded as being heroes and encouraged to power through any challenge that comes their way. Although the work they do for their communities is extremely important, they aren’t immune to mental illness or alcohol and drug addiction.
This harmful stigma prevents many people from getting the mental health, substance abuse or trauma treatment they need, which is why it’s crucial for addiction treatment providers to offer services tailored specifically to the challenges first responders encounter.
