Crisis at Work and Substance Use Disorders: What to Do When You See It Coming

When a crisis strikes on a call, trauma exposure is inevitable. Each officer impacted will process that trauma differently, and time for healing should be expected. Though each person will travel their own road back to balance at their own pace, should the process take weeks or months and substance use and abuse develop along the way, the best choice for concerned coworkers and/or supervisors is to take action swiftly.

When police officers see substance use in a coworker as a response to trauma at work, the following is recommended:

· Check in. Talk to the person who you think is having a hard time. Ask them how they are doing, and listen to their responses. It may be that there are other issues playing a role in their choices that are acute in nature, or they may be well aware they are struggling and need someone to talk to. Ask them

· Present options. If there are options available through the police department, in terms of therapeutic consult and/or support, start there. Next, discuss other options like talking to a primary care physician, discussing the potential need for treatment with a therapist or other treatment specialist if they are already seeing one, seeking out therapeutic intervention if they are not, etc.

· Acknowledge logistics. It is not easy to drop everything and enroll in a treatment program. Even if it is clear to all involved that it is the necessary next step in order to clear the slate and make a strong start in recovery, there are details to attend to. Insurance specifics, work requirements, childcare/family issues, etc., will all need to be addressed.

· Talk to a supervisor. If the individual is ready to take the next step in connecting with treatment, you can offer to go to the meeting with them. If they refuse to reach out for help, you may need to determine whether or not it is appropriate to speak to a supervisor on your own in order to ensure the safety of all involved.

Early Intervention Is the Best Medicine

If addiction develops for someone in the department despite everyone’s best prevention efforts, intervening as soon as it is clear that there are issues is the most effective solution. At American Addiction Centers, we offer our First Responder Lifeline Program to law enforcement officers and other first responders who are facing substance use disorders related to cumulative or acute trauma experienced on the job. Our highly acclaimed program provides:

· Trauma assessment and evaluation

· Treatment plans that are designed to meet the unique needs of first responders

· Family therapy and support for loved ones who would like to play a positive role in the recovery process

· Access to therapies that address the mind, body, and spirit connection in recovery

· A multidisciplinary team that specializes in first responders

· Aftercare and support

Is it time for you to intervene on behalf of a coworker in crisis? Call American Addiction Centers at (855) 997–6542 today.