When injuries necessitate prescription opioids, addiction is a risk, according to Michael Bizzarro, PhD, LCSW, BCD, Director of Clinical Services for Princeton House Behavioral Health’s First Responder Treatment Services.
“Once that prescription has run its course, it’s not uncommon to end up ‘doctor shopping’ for additional scripts or even seeking opioids elsewhere,” explains Dr. Bizzarro, who is also a former law enforcement officer. “Proximity to drugs on the job, particularly for those working undercover, can also be an issue. In this stressful profession, officers don’t always have the resources to debrief properly after traumatic experiences. In some situations, they may find themselves crossing a very fine line into addiction, depression, or anxiety.”
Law enforcement officers struggling with addiction can face an additional challenge: the reluctance to seek help for fear of negatively impacting their careers. Yet seeking treatment before a crisis necessitates it is a productive step, says Dr. Bizzarro.
Expanding Outreach Efforts
To promote early treatment and prevention, First Responder Treatment Services staff members have expanded their outreach efforts to educate law enforcement officers, leadership, and recruits. They recently presented the benefits of providing treatment services vs. terminating employment to 21 law enforcement departments in Union County. The team is also helping law enforcement officers better recognize addiction in their peers, and educating recruits in conjunction with the Middlesex County Police Training Center.
“We use specific well-being assessment modules with recruits to give them tools they’ll need moving forward,” says Dr. Bizzarro. “It’s very important to provide education about stress management and risk awareness right from the beginning of their careers.”
Click here to learn more about First Responder Treatment Services, please call 888.437.1610/outpatient or 800.242.2550/inpatient.
Peer-to-Peer Treatment ServicesThe First Responder Treatment Services team is comprised of former law enforcement officers and military veterans which can help build trust and open the door to communication among first responders. Group therapy is designed around the unique elements of a first responder’s role, and the inpatient length of stay is about two weeks. The team helps coordinate with the first responder’s Human Resources department and short-term disability plan when needed, and facilitates an aftercare plan to maintain treatment progress. |
Article as seen in the Spring 2017 issue of Princeton House Behavioral Health.
