Law enforcement is one of the most dangerous and difficult jobs in America. It is riddled with trauma, danger, varying degrees of community respect, and long, challenging shifts. It is no surprise that, given the persistent stressful environment, many police officers succumb to substance abuse and addiction.
For law enforcement, drug and alcohol rehab in Florida requires a careful balance of discretion and therapies geared toward professionals. Instead of slipping further into dependency or addiction, a professional treatment program can help you climb out, protect your career, and live a life of recovery.
Police Officers Turn to Alcohol More Than Any Other Substance
It is a familiar scenario that you have probably seen in many movies and television shows. Police officers gather at a local bar after work with a pitcher or beer or a bottle of Scotch and the stress of the day begins to melt. Unfortunately, the reality is not so different from the movies.
As with other people working in the field of law or law enforcement, both men and women police officers report a high level of alcohol use. According to a report published with the American Journal on Addictions, 11 percent of men and 16 percent of women in law enforcement are considered “at risk.”
Further, 18 percent of men and nearly 16 percent of women report “adverse consequences from alcohol use.” Surprisingly, women reported lower alcohol use in relation to higher stress at work. Men did not fare as well.
Addictions in law Enforcement Put the Community at Risk
When law enforcement engages in risky behavior, In Public Safety says the whole community and their department is at risk. Officers who make poor decisions on the job leave communities without reliable protection. If those officers find themselves on suspension or pushing papers at a desk assignment, the department is weaker for it.
Given the tough nature of the job and the fact that discussing emotions and dealing with stress in a healthy way are frowned upon in many departments, alcohol is a common outlet. Police One says balancing work and home life “is a skill that many officers don’t learn.”
Unfortunately, the more an officer reaches for alcohol to handle the stress that comes with being a cop, the more likely he or she is to become addicted. With an addiction, those stressors can multiply, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape.
Police Officers are Difficult to Reach for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Florida
People in law enforcement are the first to arrive on the scene of a crime or accident. They are the first in to pay tribute to the achievements of fellow offers and to mourn those who have fallen. They are also one of the least likely groups to get help conquering an addiction.
Police One relates this rehab aversion to the pride, camaraderie, and tough nature of so many officers. Everyone on the force experiences stress. Instead of reaching outside the circle, they band together and work their way through a pint or a pitcher. Binge drinking ultimately makes matters worse.
That is why rehab for professionals was developed. Our program understands the reputation and career risks involved when an officer struggles with addiction. We take a multiple therapeutic approach. Here is a sampling of what you can expect:
- Neuro-cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Individual and group therapy
- Music therapy
- Disease education
- Recreational therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR) therapy
- 12-step program
The relationship between addiction and officers of the law is a conundrum, but it is by no means rare. While it is not uncommon to deal with stress and let off steam by indulging in alcohol, addiction can take hold and ruin your family as well as your career. If you take the right step now, you could be on the road to recovery today.
Alcohol addiction treatment for professionals is different. It can help keep your career and family on track while you learn to live a healthier and more productive life without alcohol or any other substance.
Contact us to learn about treatment options designed for law enforcement officers like you.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.