Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs for First Responders in Texas

 

 

Working as a first responder, whether it be as a police office, firefighter, EMT, or paramedic, can be rewarding and challenging. However, many first responders struggle with alcohol addiction and use alcohol to cope with the stress of the job or coping with PTSD. Balancing a career as a first responder can be difficult, and alcohol becomes an unhealthy means of coping. PTSD is a common problem triggered by disturbing or life-threatening events that may have occurred while on the job. Alcohol addiction becomes a devastating problem and often begins with binge drinking and heavy drinking. Alcohol addiction gradually progresses into a dangerous problem that requires proper treatment. Alcohol rehab programs in Texas for first responders offer tailored programs and counseling specific to the needs of first responders.

Overall, the general rehabilitation process for alcohol addiction and treating first responders is similar to other treatment programs. Alcohol rehabilitation involves detox, residential or outpatient treatment, and aftercare support. The first step involves proper detox to manage withdrawal symptoms, and this may involve a medically supervised detox. However, alcohol detox should not be considered the only approach to manage alcohol addiction. The next phase of treatment begins with residential or outpatient alcohol rehab. Residential alcohol rehab programs provide varying counseling methods to offer well-rounded treatment for all severity of alcohol addiction.

 

Alcohol Addiction Detox and Residential or Outpatient Rehab for First Responders in Texas

Alcohol addiction detox and residential or outpatient drug rehab in Texas for first responders are specific treatment methods for the issues that first responders struggle with. For example, counseling and therapy are specific to addressing PTSD. Some of the common symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Unfortunately, alcohol addiction is a common problem for first responders that struggle with PTSD. Some of the common signs of substance abuse are health problems, changes in appearance, neglect of personal hygiene, drug paraphernalia, memory loss, financial problems, and withdrawal from social activities.

When coworkers begin to notice behavioral changes and poor work performance, there are often underlying issues. Alcohol detox is the first step, and some alcohol addictions require medically supervised detox because withdrawal symptoms are potentially life-threatening. Alcohol detox should not be considered the only approach because it does not provide adequate counseling or therapy. Residential alcohol rehab programs offer extensive counseling like behavioral therapy, holistic treatment, and faith-based treatment. However, no one form of drug rehab is right for every person, and treatment settings and interventions should meet the needs of the person going to alcohol rehab. It is also important for first responders to follow through with aftercare support. Common recovery programs include 12-step meetings, sober living homes, and other forms of peer support for first responders.

 

Alcohol Addiction Family Intervention in Texas

Family intervention in Texas for alcohol addiction involving first responders helps motivate the individual to seek treatment for their addiction. It is challenging to watch someone struggling with alcohol addiction, and sometimes a direct heart-to-heart can start the road to recovery. Someone struggling with alcohol addiction is often in denial about their addiction and unwilling to seek treatment. It is not uncommon for first responders to avoid talking about the problems. Coworkers often intervene and initiate the process of getting their fellow first responder help. Alcohol addiction causes the addict not to recognize the negative effects their behavior has on themselves and others.

A family intervention presents the addict with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get worse. The purpose of an intervention is to motivate the individual to seek or accept help. Family intervention is a carefully planned process that may be done by family, friends, coworkers, and the help of a professional interventionist. The best way to plan and organize an intervention is to hire a certified interventionist. The intervention process provides specific examples of destructive behaviors and their impact on the addict and their family. Also, family intervention offers a prearranged treatment plan with clear steps, goals, and guidelines. With the help of a professional interventionist, the family arranges what each person will do and say if the addict refuses alcohol rehab. Overall, a successful intervention must be planned carefully to work as intended. However, a poorly planned intervention can worsen the situation and make the addict feel attacked.

 

How to Locate and be Admitted to an Alcohol Rehab Program for First Responders in Texas

The process of finding and being admitted to an alcohol rehab program in Texas for first responders should not be difficult. Most first responders have access to internal programs and counseling services, but that may not be enough to manage alcohol addiction. Another option to consider is private health insurance, as most private health insurance providers cover some part of alcohol rehab. However, the extent of coverage and what is paid for by health insurance depends on the health insurance plan.

Another option to consider is an addiction assessment to evaluate the individual and recommend alcohol rehab programs in Texas. An addiction assessment could be done with a qualified healthcare professional, drug rehab referral agency, or with a certified interventionist. If family members or coworkers are working with a certified interventionist, they would have recommended alcohol rehab programs for first responders.

 

Alcohol Addiction and Substance Abuse Trends in Texas

Binge drinking, heavy alcohol use, and alcoholism are common problems among first responders in Texas. The stress of the job and many first responders struggling with PTSD use alcohol as a means of coping. According to SAMHSA, police officers, for example, are at an increased risk of negative mental health consequences due to the dangerous nature of their jobs. Moreover, due to the greater likelihood that they experience critical incidents, environmental hazards, and traumatic events. In a study investigating alcohol use in police officers following Hurricane Katrina, there was a significant association between involvement in the hurricane relief efforts and hazardous alcohol drinking.

 

Sources-

SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin. First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma. May 2018. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf