I’ve said it before in previous blogs, as well as in each of
the books in the PTSD Recovery series, but it’s worth repeating:
Drug and alcohol abuse make a lot of sense in the context of
PTSD. Criterion C of PTSD is avoidance, and drinking and drugging help us to
avoid our feelings. Criterion D is all about changes in the way we think and
feel, and alcohol and drugs can play a major role in this.
Now, self-medicating is a term used to describe individuals
who turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions and
feelings that they are not ready or able to confront.
Alcohol, tobacco use, and excessive painkiller usage are
common forms of self-medication.
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and
Control, CDC. Mental stress of the job can lead to substance and alcohol abuse
as a way of coping with the stress.
Now let’s narrow the focus to first responders, who arguably
have some of the highest stress jobs out there. It’s no surprise that they also
show a higher rate of alcohol consumption when compared to the general
population.
Chronic exposure to human suffering, tragic exposure to mangled
bodies from an accident, the shrill cry of a mother screaming over her dying
baby, being physically threatened while trying to save someone's life, having
to deal with the gruesome reality of a drug overdose or suicide, going into a
burning structure hoping to save those inside while knowing you are too late.
Any one of those things could break the strongest person. But for first
responders, this might be a single day's worth of emergency calls.
They’re trained for this, though, right?
Sure. But consider the constant pressure to remain composed
during one crisis after another. We’ve mentioned cumulative trauma already and
its effects. It’s common for first responders to develop co-occurring mental
health and substance use disorders (SUDs). The long 24-hour shifts and
traumatic calls lead countless first responders to develop mental health
conditions such as acute stress disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress
disorder. Many individuals struggling with these issues turn to drugs and
alcohol as a means of symptom relief. That’s Criterion D mentioned above.
While dealing with job stress is a factor, first responders
may also turn to alcohol for other reasons. Sometimes, a cold beer (or a few)
at the end of a tough day eases the tension. For others, maybe they need to
take the edge off of their physical pain from injury or muscle strain and they
grab their bottle of painkillers. No one likes to be in pain, whether mental or
physical, so numbing it is one answer. And an easy habit to fall into.
Social drinking is also good for bonding with your peers. You’ve
been through hell with your fellow first responders all day, and it would be a
shame to miss some quality relaxation time with your pals once the shift ends. Problems
related to substance abuse are easily hidden in a work culture where
de-stressing with alcohol and comradery is normal.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that up
to 29% of firefighters engage in alcohol abuse, and as many as 10% of firefighters
may be currently abusing prescription drugs.
Sometimes sleep or pain medication, while off-duty, is just
the thing to help an aching first responder fall asleep after a crazy 24-hour
day.
According to SAMHSA, 36% of EMS workers suffer from depression,
72% of EMTs suffer from sleep deprivation, and more than 20% of EMTs suffer
from PTSD; all of which puts them at an increased risk of substance abuse.
Most people don't even realize they have an SUD until they
try to cut down or face negative consequences from their self-medicating.
The good news is that substance use disorders are treatable.
However, seeking help is often seen as a weakness in the first responder community,
where being tough and resilient is essential.
It’s time to drop the stigma. When the work has begun to
take a toll on mental and physical health, professional help is needed. That's
the bottom line.
Seeking help is a necessary step towards healing. There are
options available to use, and recovery is possible.
*****
“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”
Get your copy of The Soldier's Guide to PTSD, The Soldier's Workbook,
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