First Responders
Substance Abuse Treatment For First Responders
First responders, such as police, firefighters, combat veterans and emergency staff, are often more affected by stress and trauma than the average person. Because stress and trauma are often underlying triggers for addiction, many first responders also end up struggling with addiction, whether with alcohol, prescription painkillers or other drugs. PTSD in particular is a big problem for veterans and first responders, and many become dependent on pain medication. In addition, studies show that police officers are twice as likely as the rest of the population to commit suicide.
Finding The Right Substance Abuse Treatment Program
With Recovery Connection, you have a comprehensive resource when you’re looking for a first responder addiction treatment program. Located in sunny Florida, Recovery Connection is committed to helping the brave men and women who perform these stressful jobs. Whether you’re in state and looking for something local, or if you’re out of state and looking for the privacy of getting out of town. Give us a call at 800-993-3869 to learn more about treatment programs or to locate a first responder addiction treatment program provider.
First Responders Suffer From PTSD and Addiction
Going to an addiction treatment center is similar to visiting a hospital to treat a physical disease, although the setting is usually much more comfortable. Addiction is recognized as a mental disease with physical consequences, and it requires professional medical treatment like any other disease. Also like other diseases, addiction typically has other underlying causes or triggers. One of these causes is trauma, or PTSD, and it occurs very often with those in first responder positions.
A first responder addiction treatment program can help with addiction through dual diagnosis treatment and detox. A dual diagnosis is important for patients suffering from both addiction and mental health issues such as PTSD and others. Levels of care within the program might include inpatient detox and inpatient rehab, or a more flexible outpatient treatment. A trauma therapy program may also focus on working through issues connected with unresolved trauma and how they connect with addiction.
The Right Approach for First Responders
There are many different ways to confront addiction with professional medical treatment. Not every approach is right for every person. Some patients seeking treatment are looking for a holistic approach that addresses the whole body and mind, including spiritual concerns. Recovery Connection can connect you with holistic treatment programs that use such methods as individual psychotherapy, music therapy, vitamin and mineral therapy, non-denominational spiritual meetings and much more. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation may also be used in these programs.
Holistic treatment centers provide a multidisciplinary approach, as well as medical detox for patients. The goal of a holistic addiction treatment center is to help patients recover through finding calm, balance, and peace to face the stresses they encounter. First responders especially may benefit from this approach aimed at alleviating stress, as well as helping them on a spiritual level.
Health Coverage
Often those suffering from addiction feel like they have nowhere to turn and they may also be concerned about the cost of getting treatment. Fortunately, there are more options now than ever before because addiction has finally been recognized as a disease. This makes it possible for providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna to provide coverage for some of the costs connected with addiction treatment.
If you or a loved one spends so much time taking care of others, that they have started neglecting or abusing themselves in the form of addiction, get help today.
