Drugs, Alcohol, and Law Enforcement: What You Need to Know
It is always a good time to take a moment and check in on some of the facts about substance use and abuse and law enforcement officers. Here’s what you need to know:
· It is estimated that between 20 percent and 25 percent of law enforcement officers are dependent on drugs and/or alcohol. This number does not include those who regularly binge drink, use drugs recreationally, or are living with a substance use disorder that has not reached the point of physical dependency.
· About 15 percent of law enforcement officers end up divorced, and while this is not higher than the national average, it is often related directly to the job. High stress, odd sleeping hours, and ever-changing shifts mean that police officers are often unavailable to their family members, both emotionally and physically, which can take a great toll on married life — one of the reasons why many police officers drink.
· Stress related to the job can be another significant driving force behind the urge to drink and use other substances for law enforcement officers. Many officers start by unwinding with a drink at the end of a long or difficult shift, but when the stress continues, drinking continues as well. Over time, the amount of alcohol it takes to achieve the initial effects increases as tolerance grows, and without the use of other coping mechanisms, steadily increasing use of alcohol will soon lead to an alcohol use disorder.
· When alcohol is the only method of emotional management and a substance use disorder begins, it can be difficult to stop drinking alone. If your loved one has tried to stop drinking or moderate their use of alcohol and been unsuccessful in staying sober for any length of time, treatment can help. There is a range of treatment services that may be effective, from outpatient options to more intensive and comprehensive inpatient drug rehab programs. Depending on the needs of your loved one and your family, different types of treatment may be more appropriate than others.
Is Your Loved One in Need of Addiction Treatment?
If a law enforcement officer in your life is struggling with a substance use disorder and/or trauma symptoms, there is hope through treatment. At American Addiction Centers, we offer a unique first responder-focused addiction treatment program that provides comprehensive care for police officers struggling with substance use and trauma, provided by a multidisciplinary team of substance abuse treatment professionals who are trained to work with first responders. Our locations include:
- Laguna Treatment Hospital in Aliso Viejo, California
- Greenhouse Treatment Center in Dallas, Texas
- Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Sunrise House Treatment Center in Sussex County, New Jersey
- Recovery First in West Palm Beach/ Hollywood, Florida
- Clinical Services of Rhode Island in Greenville/ Portsmouth/ South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Which one of our First Responder Lifeline Programs is right for your loved one and your family? Contact us at (855) 997–6542 today to learn more about your options.
