How Trauma Can Cause Addiction in First Responders

Being a first responder comes with certain innate challenges. First responders are the first to arrive on the scene. In an emergency, their job is to save lives and diffuse situations. For many, saving lives and helping others is their calling in life. It's something that, rightfully so, any first responder should take great pride in.

For those not on the frontline, it can be challenging to understand the emotional toll that being a first responder can take. Yes, many moments are a win for all involved. But, you cannot ignore that first responders, unfortunately, witness some horrendous things.

While they are first on the scene, they are often the very last on the scene, as well. Witnessing the horrific aftermath of natural disasters, accidents, shootings, and so much more can have a profound impact on a first responder.

Trauma and the First Responder

Experiencing trauma, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is something that many first responders will inevitably go through. It's an emotional response to a highly distressing event or situation. Now, imagine you are a first responder and faced with highly distressing events as a literal part of your job. It's not too hard to imagine why first responders experience trauma.

When someone has experienced trauma, they may experience symptoms such as:

• Nightmares

• Flashbacks

• Insomnia

• A constant state of hyper-vigilance, or being on high alert

• Feeling numb

• Anger or irritability

When your job is stressful, you want to be able to experience relief from the amount of pressure you face. Unfortunately, trauma can take a massive toll on a person's life, making relief hard to come by.

Addiction and First Responders

First, let's begin by stating that not all first responders will develop an addiction to a substance or alcohol. Not all first responders will abuse substances or alcohol. However, one of the effects that PTSD can have is to cause someone to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Those coping mechanisms, while they can temporarily relieve symptoms, in the long run, do more harm than good.

Addiction is a vicious cycle, and it often starts when someone turns to substances or alcohol to numb the pain. They try to forget, just for a little while, about all the what ifs and perceived mistakes and what they did or didn't do.

Unfortunately, over time, what this turns into is leaning on substances more and more to help quiet the storms that are going through the mind. Trauma and addiction, unfortunately, can at times go hand-in-hand.

How Does Trauma Occur?

Some experience PTSD when they go through something emotionally distressing and then don't process it. It is often easier for first responders to push through the rough situations they encounter daily. For their own sake, they don't let themselves dwell on situations because they need to be their best in future situations that they will experience.

It might be surprising to hear, but even when we try not to think about something, that doesn't mean it goes away. Trauma, whether you actively think about it or not, still boils underneath the surface. When left unprocessed, it can wreak havoc on a person's mental health and physical well-being.

How To Handle Addiction Issues In A Hero's Environment

Whether you are a first responder or know someone who is, know that you aren't alone. If someone you love is facing an issue of addiction, it is not their fault. Addiction or substance abuse is first and foremost a way of coping with unbearable stress, a way of making the intolerable tolerable.

First, it's important to recognize the everyday reality of trauma in the work environment itself. While it can be hard to talk about and there may be a culture at work where everyone makes light of the hard things in order to get through, there is no shame in admitting that you are struggling with the things you face at your job. 

Second, trauma, unfortunately, will very rarely go away on its own. Addiction further complicates these matters. But trauma and addiction can be overcome. If you are struggling with addiction as a first responder, don't hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about workplace trauma therapy. Together, we can help you find healthy coping mechanisms and a path to sobriety.