Rehab For Police Officers
Active and retired police officers have an increased risk of becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. A high-stress career, repeated trauma, persisting stigma surrounding mental health, and long work hours contribute to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse. New Found Life is a high-quality rehab for police officers and other professionals.
Law enforcement officers may encounter challenges in treatment and ongoing recovery. Individualized care reduces the risk of relapse or the development of additional mental health issues.
Some factors impacting addiction recovery for police officers include:
A specialized treatment program provides law enforcement officers and their family members with support tailored to their unique needs and challenges.
New Found Life offers a serene space where people can heal from the effects of substance use disorder (SUD) and learn to effectively manage their condition. Many people report better treatment outcomes if they participate in treatment programs near home, where they feel more connected to loved ones and their support network.
The intake specialists at New Found Life help families intervene on their loved one’s behalf. Early intervention and professional treatment reduce the risk of overdose or health complications due to chronic substance abuse. Working with a trained team of addiction recovery specialists also improves rehabilitation outcomes and reduces the risk of relapse during withdrawal.
Many people in high-stress careers experience emotional and physical burnout that may lead individuals to self-medicate in an attempt to function. According to the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), “One police academy director estimates that about 15 percent of any police department’s officers are in a burnout phase at any one time and that 5 to 7 percent are ‘crispy critters’ who are totally burned out.”
Burnout may cause the following:
Law enforcement professionals benefit from learning how to better cope with stressful situations that may impact their mental or physical health. The police force, like other high-stress careers, has a high prevalence of burnout with many contributing factors. Many law enforcement officers fail to take advantage of available counseling or stress management services within their police department. Addiction treatment programs teach mindfulness and stress management techniques to help people avoid burnout and improve their well-being.
Many police officers and other law enforcement personnel struggle to seek psychological treatment during moments of high stress. Lack of funding for mental health services within a police department or other barriers may also cause some people to use alternative forms of stress management, such as self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.
Some conditions police officers may attempt to self-medicate include:
Self-medicating causes even more problems in the long run and does not help people overcome the issues causing their emotional or physical health issues.
Individuals in high-stress jobs have an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), “[R]esearch shows that officers are two to four times more likely to suffer from PTSD compared with the U.S. general population.” New Found Life offers police officer PTSD treatment to help retired or active officers address the underlying trauma contributing to alcohol or drug addiction.
New Found Life offers comprehensive treatment for law enforcement officers and first responders struggling with addiction. The recovery center uses therapy, peer support, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and support groups to help people heal from the effects of drug or alcohol addiction. Clinicians guide clients through every step of the recovery journey to ensure they feel supported, understood, and heard. The care team respects the sacrifices law enforcement makes to protect public safety. Treatment plans are tailored to provide the most effective treatment for each individual and their unique needs.
New Found Life uses 12-Step immersion to prepare clients for successful long-term recovery. The evidence-based and holistic services, combined with the 12-Step philosophy, provide law enforcement personnel with a solid foundation of coping skills and resources for lasting sobriety. Clinicians use an integrative approach to care that addresses any co-occurring or underlying issues impacting overall wellness.
The private setting provides safety and confidentiality. Clients do not have to worry about their work being affected by treatment. Clinicians work with families and their loved ones to develop individualized care plans that incorporate 12-Step support, family therapy, trauma therapy, and other services to reduce the risk of relapse and improve mental health.
Treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) must address the root causes of unhealthy behaviors, including chronic stress and traumatic events. The treatment center at New Found Life uses tailored therapy sessions to address mental health conditions and trauma responses. Trauma therapy can help law enforcement officers heal from the damage caused by everyday on-the-job stressors and trauma in their personal lives, improving overall wellness.
In addition to job-related trauma, individuals in law enforcement may also have a history of childhood trauma. According to the previously mentioned article by the FBI, “[P]olice likely have higher rates of adverse childhood experiences [ACEs].” Rehab programs address ACEs alongside alcohol or drug addiction.
People with high-stress careers benefit from participating in individual or group therapy. The healing connection of mutual support and sharing with peers who have similar life experiences empowers individuals in recovery.
Some of the primary benefits of participating in therapy include:
Clinicians tailor therapy sessions to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they have the necessary support to recover from the effects of SUD.
Individuals in law enforcement have a much higher risk of developing one or more co-occurring mental health disorders. New Found Life treats the whole person using personalized care and tailored services. Clinicians utilize the 12-Step philosophy, therapy, peer support, and other tools to help clients heal and move forward in their recovery journey. Rehabilitation simultaneously treats addiction and mental health issues.
Some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders diagnosed among law enforcement professionals include:
Individuals with ACEs may also struggle with related trust issues and building healthy social connections. Treatment programs teach effective and practical coping skills to help people heal from dual diagnosis.
Multiple factors may connect substance abuse and mental health, including:
Often, law enforcement personnel with dual diagnoses benefit from continuing to receive individual therapy and peer support after completing treatment. The clinical team provides referrals to private and community-based resources. In addition, clinicians can help active duty members navigate local, state, and national addiction recovery or mental health services. Every client builds a solid foundation of skills and knowledge for successfully managing their condition in the long-term.
Active or retired law enforcement officers with dual diagnoses often benefit from integrative care that directly addresses the symptoms and side effects of mental health disorders alongside addiction. Many of the symptoms of MDD, PTSD, GAD, and other conditions overlap with SUD. During the intake process, clinicians utilize comprehensive assessments and screening tools to make an accurate diagnosis, ensuring clients receive the best treatment to meet their specific needs.
An inpatient or outpatient program allows people to maintain contact with their peers within law enforcement while undergoing comprehensive treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders. The clinical team has decades of combined experience treating first responders and other professionals in high-stress careers. A person’s identity within their department or among peers often plays a role in how they approach treatment and ongoing recovery. The care team helps police officers and other first responders maintain their identity as law enforcement personnel while providing a healthy path forward.
Some of the flexible treatment options include:
Individuals addicted to alcohol or opioids may need medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to safely transition through the detoxification process.
Peer and family support improve treatment outcomes. According to the FBI, “Peer support is based on the notion that those who have overcome the impact of stressful and traumatic events are uniquely qualified to assist others dealing with similar experiences through increased awareness and vigilance, empathic responses, and personal validation.” In addition, “One study examined the effectiveness of peer support programs among 631 police officers in northern Colorado [. . .] over half reported the support directly or indirectly helped them perform their duties and/or improved their home life.” New Found Life encourages active and retired police officers, as well as other first responders, to take advantage of peer support.
The clinical team collaborates closely with clients and their loved ones to ensure families fully understand the realities of how the job can impact mental health and addiction recovery. New Found Life offers families psychoeducation, family therapy, community-based resources, and other forms of support. Many times, law enforcement officers protect their loved ones from the true pain caused by their job, making it difficult for friends and family to recognize and understand the factors that contribute to addiction and mental health issues. Educating families can reduce stigma and strengthen relationships, providing clients with a stronger support system.
New Found Life encourages clients to take advantage of peer support, family participation in treatment, and alumni support to maintain healthy routines. Families can take advantage of weekly family groups to learn more about their loved one’s condition and how to provide more informed support. Peer support and shared recovery can reduce the risk of relapse and break the silence surrounding the trauma experienced by every law enforcement officer.
The New Found Life treatment center offers a safe harbor for first responders where clinical excellence meets 12-Step immersion.
Some of the primary benefits of a 12-Step approach to addiction recovery include:
There are free 12-Step groups available in most communities, which can help police officers maintain sobriety and overcome challenges in recovery.
Police officers in rehabilitation can expect individualized treatment plans tailored to their lives. Some of the skills and services used to treat SUD include:
Therapeutic interventions and other forms of treatment help clients rebuild their personal and professional lives, reducing the risk of relapse.
New Found Life works with clients to help them determine what portion of treatment may be covered by their insurance provider. The intake specialists also work with families to develop payment plans for health care services and addiction treatment. Everyone deserves to receive high-quality care regardless of their insurance provider or financial situation.
New Found Life offers private, confidential, and compassionate care through every stage of the treatment process, from admissions to aftercare planning. Police officers heal alongside peers who share similar life experiences. The care team has created a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can feel comfortable engaging in the treatment process.
Police officers have a high-stress career that can cause multiple traumas and mental health issues, contributing to the development of addiction. New Found Life treats first responders using evidence-based and holistic therapies. To learn more about our programs, please call our office today at (562) 434-4060.