{"id":10466,"date":"2022-03-29T16:14:11","date_gmt":"2022-03-29T20:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/?page_id=10466"},"modified":"2022-04-15T12:15:38","modified_gmt":"2022-04-15T16:15:38","slug":"firefighters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/resources\/firefighters\/","title":{"rendered":"Substance Abuse Among Firefighters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Firefighters spend their days braving burning buildings, responding to emergencies and saving lives. But between long shifts and traumatic calls, countless firefighters develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder<\/a> (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), anxiety<\/a> and depression<\/a>. Many men and women struggling with these issues turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with them. Because of the physically demanding nature of firefighting, firefighters are frequently injured on the job, and with each injury sustained there is a chance they may become addicted to painkillers<\/a> during their recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the reality of firefighters\u2019 behavioral health issues are difficult to face, the good news is that resources are available for those struggling with a disorder. Are you a firefighter grappling with addiction<\/a> or mental health issues?<\/a> Are you the friend or loved one of a firefighter who is? Information about risk factors, treatment options and the paths to recovery can be found below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Exclusively for IAFF members.
It’s okay to ask for help.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Comprehensive addiction treatment at the IAFF Center of Excellence<\/strong>.<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Recovery Begins Here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Firefighters Have a Higher Risk of Developing Addiction and Mental Health Struggles?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While no demographic is untouched by addiction or mental health<\/a> challenges, firefighters are disproportionately more likely to develop these conditions than members of the general population. According to a 2012 study published in Occupational Medicine, 56 percent of firefighters were also past-month binge drinkers. According to the Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative, alcohol<\/a> is the most common substance abused among firefighters.  This is due to a variety of factors, including trauma, on-the-job injuries and fire station culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trauma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Firefighters are often the first on the front lines of many accidents, including fires, car crashes and natural disasters. They witness life-altering injuries and senseless deaths. During some calls, their own lives may even be on the line. In the face of these challenges, many firefighters develop conditions like ASD and PTSD<\/a>. Worse still, because of the extended shifts most firefighters work, they are often cut off from vital sources of familial support for long periods of time. This can make it even more difficult to process and bounce back from trauma, and may contribute to the development of severe mental health conditions in response to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On-the-Job Injuries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Workplace injuries are an inevitable fact of life for many firefighters. Sprains, strains and other muscle injuries are common because of the extremely physical nature of firefighter\u2019s work. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)<\/a>, 62,085 firefighter injuries occurred in 2016. To help firefighters recover from these injuries, doctors will often prescribe opioid painkillers. While these substances can help relieve pain in the short-term, they can also lead to dependence and addiction if used in excess or over an extended period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fire Station Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While conditions have improved in some fire stations as awareness and knowledge about addiction and mental health risks increases, many stations still have a culture that encourages binge drinking. A recent study<\/a> conducted by the American Heart Association found that male firefighters drink more on average than the general population. While only 23 percent of men<\/a> in the general population reported binge drinking in the past month, nearly half of the firefighters surveyed did. Additionally, behavioral health issues are still stigmatized and ignored in some stations. This can be incredibly isolating for individuals struggling with a disorder, and makes it difficult to come forward and ask for help when it\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co-Occurring Disorders Among Firefighters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Addiction rarely occurs in a vacuum. In most cases, an underlying behavioral health condition drives or influences substance use. This condition is referred to as a co-occurring disorder, because it has a direct relationship with an individual\u2019s addiction. Co-occurring disorders can manifest in firefighters in a number of different ways. However, the most common mental health issues they struggle with are ASD, PTSD, anxiety and depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Post-traumatic stress disorder<\/a> can develop after a person sees or experiences a traumatic event. For firefighters, this may involve going on a risky, life-threatening call or witnessing the injury or death of victims or co-workers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n