First Responders Addiction Treatment

First responders battle the most trying and emotionally draining situations in society, daily. This extreme stress is why emergency responders like police officers, firefighters, and EMT/Paramedics have a much higher rate of drug and alcohol addiction, suicide rates, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than typical civilians.

If you or a loved one need help to overcome addiction, call (800) 680-7738 or visit our admissions page to take the first step. 

The Challenges Faced by Police Officers

Police officers witness some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. They’re first on the scene of suicides, murders, domestic violence, drug overdoses, and other disturbing situations. This non-stop exposure to violence can plague their conscience resulting in mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

According to statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), more than 10% of metropolitan police officers use alcohol at “at-risk” levels. These officers also have a high rate of drug addiction due to easy access from drug dealer busts and overdose calls.

Firefighters: Battling Unique Challenges

Firefighters have 24-hour on-call shifts and are often involved with the police and EMT for emergency calls when needed, but they have their own unique challenges. Fighting civilian forest fires can lead to health issues like severe burns, lung damage, and other temporary or chronic health problems.

Firefighters don’t hesitate to put their lives on the line by running into burning buildings, even knowing they could collapse at any moment. They save lives and are on the front lines of both structural and wildland fires that can easily escalate beyond human control. They also have the highest probability rate of developing an addiction to prescription pills and alcohol due to these intense conditions.

EMT/Paramedics: The Unsung Heroes

EMT/Paramedics are the emergency responders who provide medical treatment to victims of auto accidents, shootings, heart attacks, and domestic violence. They repeatedly witness the deaths of people they’re trying to save, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Substance abuse is often a result as they self-medicate in an attempt to cope with this pain.

While these highly-visible professions may be the first that come to mind, similar stressors attack veterans and even emergency dispatchers.

All of these occupations can be very rewarding, but the occupational hazards and overexposure to traumatic events can lead to drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Co-occurring disorders involving both substance abuse and the mental health disorders mentioned above are not uncommon either.

Effective Recovery Rehab for First Responders

If you’re a police officer, firefighter, EMT/Paramedic⁠—or the loved one of an emergency services worker—we know how easily the pressure can lead to a substance abuse problem. Holdfast Recovery knows and understands first responder addiction and disorders better than most young men’s addiction treatment facilities. Why? Because Holdfast’s founder, Brendan McDonough, is the sole survivor of the Yarnell Hill fire. This hellacious Arizona wildfire claimed the lives of 19 of his firefighter brothers, leaving him the sole survivor of his crew. As a result of this unimaginable trauma, Brendan turned to alcohol to mask his pain, depression, and PTSD, before finding true healing with EMDR addiction therapy and faith in Jesus Christ.

After achieving long-term sobriety, Brendan has made it his life’s mission to provide effective emergency responder rehab at Holdfast Recovery’s location in beautiful Prescott, Arizona.

Proven Treatment Methods at Holdfast Recovery

• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Group Therapy
• Experiential Therapy

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs Offered

• Outpatient, (OP)
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
• Partial Hospital Program (PHP) settings

Holdfast Recovery also offers aftercare and sober living options in the Prescott, AZ area. This service is for young men looking to continue on their path of clean and sober living, so they can enjoy living their best life!

Contact Us to Begin Your Recovery Journey

We treat substance abuse and heal trauma. Whether you have been in and out of centers, or this is your first time finding hope, we are here for you.

If you or a loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, or a co-occurring disorder, it’s never too late to get help. Make the call to speak with one of our first-responder rehab counselors today at (800) 680-7738.