In this country, we rely on the men and women in blue to keep us safe from all manner of dangers. The members of our police forces stand ready and willing to serve and protect at every hour of every day. Yet, for many, that vigilance and steadfastness can take a mental toll. That toll can come out in the form of substance abuse and addictions. Police substance abuse is a serious problem that demands attention and action.
The Problem: Substance Abuse Among Police Officers
The roots of the police substance abuse problem lie with the very manner of the job. Police officers endure a massive amount of trauma and stress in their daily lives. They face some of the worst in humanity. Criminals and crimes are in their lives daily. They may experience violence and scorn. Relationships at home or in the workplace may suffer.
As police officers absorb those emotional blows, mental pain can grow and grow. That can lead to police substance abuse and addiction. Police officers in America have some of the highest rates of substance abuse in the country.
The statistics are staggering:
- 25% of all police officers have an issue with drug or alcohol.
- 20-30% of police officers have substance abuse disorders. For the general population, the rate is 10%.
- Between 7% and 19% of police officers have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Police officers die from suicide at a higher rate than they do from homicide. The rate of death by suicide is 2.3 times that of homicide.
Those numbers add up to show a noble profession that can take a severe mental toll.
The Transformations Approach
The Transformations approach targets the unique needs of every individual. The path to police substance abuse treatment aids heroic men and women. At Transformations, care comes in the form of a holistic, therapeutic approach. This treats the whole individual as well as the addiction.
The program for police substance abuse meets these specialized needs. A first responder/masters-level therapist leads the program. Sessions work to overcome the underlying issues and problems that lead to addiction. They work to understand the triggers and issues that spark police substance abuse.
Participants learn how to cope with difficult times and manage trauma and stress. They also learn how to rebuild family and friend relationships. These relationships may have suffered during the crisis. Anger management support helps to deal with any issues that may arise. Additionally, the program addresses suicide awareness and prevention. The Transformations approach works to ward off any thoughts of self-harm.
The approach covers other mental traumas. The Transformations program includes support for grief and loss healing. On the whole, the program works to ensure mental as well as physical health.
The police substance abuse program features several services for first responders. These services include:
- Individual and group therapy. In these sessions, police officers work both one-on-one and within group sessions. These identify and treat problem areas.
- Pain, stress, and anxiety therapy for those suffering from these maladies.
- Psychiatrist-assessed support for psychiatric and mood disorders and chemical dependency. It includes medication and treatment for sufferers.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for past traumatic experiences.
- The Evidence-Based Neurofeedback (BrainPaint) system. This helps heal fears, phobias, trauma, addiction, ADD, and ADHD.
- A “Serenity Lounge” that promotes relaxation and stress relief. The lounge also helps balance and harmony with nature. It includes sound frequency healing, music therapy, and guided imagery.
- An on-staff registered dietician/nutritionist to help plan out the healthiest possible meals.
- A natural supplement protocol to reduce the use of prescription drugs wherever possible.
- A health club and private trainer. Officers under care can stay healthy and in shape as they go through treatment.
- A lakefront pool and beach time on weekends.
- A non-institutional setting, with a private bedroom, cable television, and telephone.
There is also a 12-step, faith-based/Christian-style program. With the First Responder program, participants can choose one of two options. These include the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Transformations takes special care to help maintain the participant’s sobriety after treatment. Discharge planning and alumni teams create a compressive care plan for patients.
Care is comprehensive after patients leave the facility or complete the program. After-treatment care includes group therapy sessions and individual counseling sessions. Patients also receive access to medical and psychiatric services.
Getting Started at Transformations
Transformations takes special care to tend to the unique needs of police officers. To see how we can help, contact an admissions specialist at 888-919-2561.
You can also visit http://transformationstreatment.center/contact.