Imagine the challenges of working in hostile situations every day. You see traumatic outcomes every day, deal with the intense stress of doing your job perfectly, and face incredible strain to protect others. Being a first responder is tough, by all measures.
It’s not uncommon for first responders to turn to alcohol or drugs for relief from that stress. Effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires professional help. Most first responders would provide the same advice to the patients they are treating or the victims of violence they support each day. Yet, they don’t take action themselves.
At The Ranch at Dove Tree, we offer a tactical recovery program geared specifically towards those who do the hard work and need help themselves. No matter what put you on this path, there is help.
First Responders Suffer Serious Risk of Trauma
Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that first responders are at a higher risk than others for suffering from both substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health crises. The reasons for this are numerous:
- Constant exposure to traumatic events
- Lack of sleep
- Facing a disaster that’s different every time, providing little support for avoiding conflicts next time
- Blaming themselves for outcomes
- Knowing that victims will continue to be victimized, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it
The list goes on. First responders face an incredibly important job. It’s also a job that is nearly impossible to navigate without support.
Barriers to Treatment for First Responders
Many factors impact a first responder’s willingness to reach out for the help they need. Some of the most common reasons they don’t seek help include:
- Powerful stigma. You’re supposed to be the healer, not the one who needs the help. There’s a strong stigma surrounding police officers, medical workers, and veterans regarding mental health. Some believe that seeking help could mean losing their job or having a poor reputation.
- Perceived weakness. Many first responders feel that seeking help means they’re weak or less tough enough to do their job. A mental health crisis is never a weakness, but one of the most challenging obstacles you could face.
- You can do it all yourself. This mistaken attitude gets in the way of many first responders. You know the rules, the signs of stress, and the outcomes. You think you can just “fix” this on your own.
One of the strongest contributing factors to a lack of getting help surrounds a person’s worry about their job. If you admit to using alcohol or drugs, could you lose your job? There’s a real risk to doing nothing. That’s not only to you. If you use substances and make a mistake, you WILL face disciplinary actions. There’s no doubt that it can be career-ending.
However, getting help and treatment now could prevent deadly consequences for yourself and others. What should you do to protect your job?
Getting treatment could help you keep your job. Employers understand the struggles you are facing. Many first responders have programs available to help you navigate the stressors and frustrations you’re facing. It’s not an unknown that first responders face these challenges – and today’s employers are willing to help you get help to avoid the worst possible outcome.
Know Your Rights Under the Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act and Family and Medical Leave Act are two legal tools you can use to potentially protect your job while you seek care for addiction. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, your employer must make reasonable accommodations to allow you to participate in treatment. It doesn’t outright protect you from being fired for going to work intoxicated. However, your employer cannot fire you for seeking help as the only reason.
The Family and Medical Leave Act provides you with the right to take up to 12 weeks off work, without risk of losing your position, so you can seek treatment for SUDs or mental health disorders. The Ranch at Dove Tree can help you navigate this law to protect your rights to care.
Learning to talk to your employer about rehab is a critical step in this process. During the admissions process, we can help you navigate your rights under these laws and provide you with some insight into the steps you can take today.
Break Through the Stigma to Get Help
You fight for everyone else every day. Today, fight for you and your future. To be the best at your job, you need support, too. The Ranch at Dove Tree in Lubbock, TX, can help you navigate SUDs and mental health challenges that many first responders face every day. Contact us now to learn more about your rights.
