As we look to helping the young generation fight the good fight against binge drinking, we also have to consider a particularly serious problem seated at the heart of our nation’s defense force. Across the United States, addiction and abuse are huge problems among law enforcement officials, and the issue is still getting worse. According to recent studies, 1 out of 4 cops on the street is suffering from addiction to alcohol or drugs, while substance abuse disorders (in general) range 20% to 30%, contrasting greatly with the 10% measure of the general population of Americans. Despite being shocking, these numbers are tragic. Being cooped up in stressful environments and dealing with dangerous criminals is rough enough, so you can imagine our concern for the fast that our respected men and women in uniform also have to cope with drugs and booze. The good news is, they all still have a chance. Let’s take a closer look at the tragedy of substance abuse and addiction among police officers.
Why This Problem Is Bigger among Cops
Simply put, police officers have a much more stressful job than any of us put together. Take into consideration that these men and women have to deal with a slew of dangerous situations including domestic violence, shootings, murders, bloody crime scenes, car accidents, burning buildings and much more, and you may realize why they might try to find relief with drugs and alcohol. Likewise, cops have to make split-second decisions to help people in these terrifying situations, and there is always the matter of having to shoot someone in an intense situation. Add to that a rigorous schedule and lack of family time, and you have a formula for depression and anxiety.
Needless to say, the effects are not good. Reports indicate that 1 out of 4 police officers has contemplated suicide at some point, while the suicide rate of cops is much higher than firefighters. Also, 7 to 19% of police officers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, while more officers die via suicide more often than homicide.
How Can We Help Them?
Obviously, the first step you can take is to show your love for the police and help them realize that what they are doing is a good thing, not a bad thing. Having support from a community is the best kind of medicine for these people. They go through enough ridicule, cruelty, and violence as it is. When it comes to treatment, however, psychiatrists recommend officers stay at home or in a residential rehab facility to reinforce this social gathering and support.
Always remember that drugs and alcohol do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or addiction troubles today.
