First responders and veterans face a myriad of traumatic experiences while on duty, further contributing to the risk of substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health issues in the military and emergency response. The tie between trauma and addiction is a product of the emotional dysfunction linked to traumatic incidents and the use of drugs or alcohol to numb that feeling.
The Intersection of Trauma and Addiction
The relationship between trauma and addiction in first responders and veterans is complex and intertwined, emanating from the unique experiences and the high-stress environments in which they operate. Regular exposure to traumatic events, such as combat situations, life-threatening emergencies, or witnessing severe injuries and death, can lead to a host of psychological issues. Common mental health conditions in first responders and veterans include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, all of which increase the risks of substance abuse and addiction.
For many, turning to alcohol or drugs begins as a means of self-medicating, seeking relief from the intense symptoms of PTSD or other trauma-related disorders such as mood or anxiety disorders. Substance use in veterans and first responders becomes a coping mechanism to numb emotional pain and escape traumatic memories or chronic stress. Over time, as individuals continue to misuse substances, neuroadaptations—progressive changes in the brain—propel controlled use to chronic misuse and abuse. The brain begins associating drugs or alcohol as a quick but temporary solution for managing stress and emotional chaos.
Understanding Veteran’s Battles Beyond the Military
For veterans, transitioning from military to civilian life often involves a web of psychological, emotional, and social adjustments. Along with the mental health challenges from traumatic experiences during service, coping with such trauma may include flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness. In addition to the psychological struggles, many veterans experience survivor’s guilt, having survived when others did not, or feeling conflicted about their actions while in service. The social and emotional adjustments veterans face while reintegrating into civilian life can be dreadful. They often feel out of place at home and miss the friendship and structured environment of military life.
One of the most significant barriers to addressing these issues is overcoming the stigma associated with mental health challenges in military service members and veterans. Seeking help as a veteran is often viewed as a sign of weakness when, in reality, it is an act of strength and resilience. Veterans may struggle to rebuild relationships with family and friends, finding it difficult to understand and adapt to the changes each has undergone. When navigating these challenges, some veterans turn to drinking alcohol or using drugs as a form of self-medication. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal substances can become tools to cope with mental health issues or to numb emotional pain. These substances offer a temporary escape from traumatic memories and feelings of anxiety or depression, which can lead to a dangerous pattern of abuse.
The Hidden Struggles of Emergency Responders
First responders, such as firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), are recognized for their bravery and dedication. The nature of first responders’ work exposes them to a range of traumatic situations, including life-threatening emergencies, violent incidents, and devastating accidents. The constant exposure to such high-stress environments can take a significant toll on their mental and emotional health. The trauma first responders face often builds up over time and slowly impairs their mental and emotional resilience. This cumulative stress can lead to conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout. This responsibility to maintain composure and professionalism amid a crisis often forces them to suppress their emotional responses, only for these emotions to exacerbate and resurface later.
The culture within many emergency responder organizations traditionally emphasizes toughness and resilience, which can cause responders to feel uncomfortable discussing their emotions. This culture can create a stigma around mental health struggles, making it difficult for first responders to seek help and treatment when needed. Like veterans, discussing emotional or psychological issues is often mistakenly seen as a sign of weakness or inability to perform one’s duties, causing many first responders to hide their struggles and suffer in silence. Their work schedule often includes irregular hours, overtime, and a high demand for alertness, adding to the mental and emotional exhaustion. This can disturb sleep patterns, family life, and social interactions, further impacting their mental health and well-being and leading them to substance misuse.
Co-Occurring Disorders in First Responders and Veterans
Co-occurring disorders—the coexistence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health condition—in veterans and first responders are common due to the emotional dysregulation associated with their line of work. Both groups frequently encounter traumatic situations as part of their duties, leading to an increased risk of developing a co-occurring disorder. Substance use often starts as a coping mechanism for the challenging emotions and experiences related to these traumas, eventually evolving into an addiction. The symptoms of substance abuse and mental health disorders often overlap, requiring an integrated treatment approach for first responders and veterans. Integrated treatment programs that address both substance abuse and mental health disorders, also known as dual diagnosis treatment in drug rehab, offer a more holistic approach to addiction treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Veterans and Emergency Responders in Drug Rehab
Dual diagnosis treatment for first responders and veterans in drug rehab is a specialized approach that addresses the unique challenges these individuals face. This treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of substance abuse and to identify any co-occurring mental health disorders. A dual-diagnosis treatment plan is integrative, targeting both the addiction and the underlying mental health issues simultaneously. Trauma-informed care is a central aspect of drug rehab, acknowledging the significant role trauma often plays in the lives of first responders and veterans. Evidence-based therapies in dual diagnosis treatment often include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Group therapy sessions, especially with peers with similar backgrounds in military service or emergency response, provide a comfortable and supportive space for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Skills training, mindfulness practices, and relapse prevention strategies in rehab treatment supply the tools to manage triggers and maintain a healthy lifestyle in recovery. Addiction specialists in dual-diagnosis treatment are explicitly trained to understand the challenges prevalent in veterans and emergency responders. Following treatment, a continuum of care in recovery helps sustain recovery and promote mental health with outpatient therapies, recovery support programs, and support meetings. This comprehensive approach to drug and alcohol rehab effectively treats the individual as a whole, ensuring the long-term recovery of first responders and veterans facing the challenges of addiction and mental health disorders.
Struggling with a mental health condition and an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) as a first responder or veteran can be complicated and overwhelming. You don’t have to battle a co-occurring disorder on your own; Rock Recovery is here for you.
Reach out today for more information on dual diagnosis treatment plans at our addiction treatment center in Palm Beach, FL.
References:
- National Library of Medicine, 2023. Veteran and Military Mental Health Issues.
- National Library of Medicine, 2014. Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services: Chapter 3 Understanding the Impact of Trauma.
- National Library of Medicine, 2016. Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health: Chapter 2 The Neurobiology of Substance Use, Misuse, and Addiction.
- PubMed Central, 2021. Survivor Guilt: A Cognitive Approach.
- PubMed, 2022. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, work-related trauma exposure, and substance use in first responders.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016. Key Ingredients for Successful Trauma-Informed Care Implementation.
