Co-Occurring Disorders, Correctional Officers, and Recovery: 5 Tips to Make It Work
Trauma-related disorders are exceptionally common among correctional officers. The experience of extreme physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms can occur due to witnessing or being the victim of one or more traumatic events. It can happen due to a single acute incident or build over time with repeat exposure. For many correctional officers, the easiest way to try to manage those symptoms is through drug and alcohol use.
When substance abuse becomes a problem of its own, many correctional officers seek treatment and then head back to work. If you are trying to manage your recovery from trauma and an addiction disorder while getting back into the swing of things at work, here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Keep communication open with your supervisors. You have every right to maintain privacy when it comes to your medical history, but if there is protocol in place at work for correctional officers in recovery from addiction and/or co-occurring disorders, take time to find out what they are and make sure you are in compliance to avoid losing your job.
2. If other correctional officers are in recovery, start a support group at work. Because trauma and addiction are common among correctional officers and other first responders, it is likely that some of your coworkers are in the same boat as you. If there is not already a support group in place at work, set one up. If it is not appropriate to hold it at work, set up a regular meeting at a coffee shop or in someone’s home so you can get and give the support you need.
3. Put your recovery first. No matter what is happening at work, you need to make sure you are putting your treatments, therapies, and support group meetings on your schedule first.
4. Take care of yourself. You need a regular sleep schedule, healthy food, a consistent workout schedule, and good friends to build a happy and healthy life in recovery. It can take time and persistence, but doing so will give you the physical and mental stability you need to manage stressors at work and in recovery.
5. If you are having any issues, reach out for help. Correctional officers in crisis often have a hard time asking for help, but help is necessary if you are finding it difficult to stay sober. If there are resources at work, start with those or talk to your therapist or doctor about how you can amp up your treatment regimen to get through the tough times.
Recovery Is Possible
For correctional officers struggling with substance abuse as well as trauma, recovery is possible, especially when it begins with a comprehensive treatment program that is focused on first responders. At American Addiction Centers, we offer a First Responder Lifeline Program that provides correctional officers with:
· A unique treatment plan designed to meet their individual needs
· Therapists and providers who are trained to work with first responders
· Support for family members through family therapy and education
· Interactive and motivational therapies and treatments
· Aftercare and support
· Reintegration assistance
Are you ready to make the first move toward recovery? Call (844) 646–4COS(267) now to get started.
