First Responder Rehab Programs in Las Vegas Nevada

First responders face multiple stressors and challenging situations that can take a tremendous emotional and physical toll. Sometimes, this can lead to substance use as a way of coping with stress, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. 

Substance use can become worse if left untreated and can be a serious problem especially when coupled with co-occurring mental health disorders like first responder PTSD. Many first responders can benefit from tailored first responder addiction treatment that takes into account their unique needs and experiences.

First responders are highly trained professionals, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, who are dispatched to the scene of emergencies as rapidly as possible. Their primary duty is to assess the situation, provide immediate medical care, and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.

These dedicated individuals are equipped with the skills and tools necessary to handle a wide range of emergencies, from medical crises and fires to accidents and natural disasters. Their swift arrival is crucial in stabilizing victims, addressing life-threatening conditions, and coordinating further assistance from specialized emergency services.

This includes professionals such as:

• Emergency medical service professionals (EMTs).
• Police officers.
• Search and rescue personnel.
• Firefighters.
• 911 operators.
• Healthcare professionals employed in emergency settings.

If you or a loved one are a first responder seeking substance use treatment, there are steps you can take to ease the recovery process.

Understanding Substance Use in First Responders

Many first responders must deal with ongoing stress in their working lives. Facing situations that involve death, grief, injury, pain, or loss, and being directly exposed to a variety of threats to your personal safety can affect one’s mental health negatively. Dealing with long hours of work, frequent shifts, poor sleep, physical hardships, and other negative experiences can have a detrimental impact on first responder mental health, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Substance use can be an unhealthy way that some first responders cope with stress. Some might self-medicate certain mental health symptoms or use drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with feelings of stress, burnout, compassion fatigue (meaning stress that can occur as a result of working with someone who has been traumatized), and trauma. Some first responders may also engage in avoidance behaviors, such as missing work, or experience increased conflict in the workplace or at home if they don’t have healthy coping skills and ways of managing excessive levels of stress.6

First Responders and Co-Occurring Disorders

Many first responders have an increased risk of experiencing mental health disorders.⁷ Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to be more common amongst first responders than amongst other groups.⁷According to one study, 1 in 4 first responders met diagnostic criteria for PTSD.⁷ The rapid pace and the nature of their work is a key factor that can impact the mental health of first responders.³

PTSD can develop after witnessing, being involved in, or learning about a traumatic event, such as actual or threatened death, serious injury, violence, or performing job-related duties like collecting human remains.² You can even develop PTSD from hearing that trauma happened to a close family member, coworker, or friend.²

Many first responders don’t have enough time to recover after traumatic events, which can lead not only to PTSD, but can also lead to other co-occurring mental health conditions and symptoms like depression, stress, and suicidal ideation.³  These conditions may be closely linked with substance abuse in first responders; one study of firefighters and emergency medical technicians/paramedics points out that:⁶

• 14% of study participants reported moderate to severe and severe depressive symptoms.
• 28% reported moderate to severe and severe anxiety symptoms.
• 26% reported significant symptoms of PTSD.
• 31% reported harmful or hazardous alcohol use and dependence.
• 93% reported significant sleep disturbances.
• 34% indicated high risk for suicide.

First responder PTSD symptoms can include:²

• Intrusive, recurring, or involuntary memories.
• Dissociative reactions that make you feel as though you are re-experiencing the event (flashbacks).
• Avoiding talking or thinking about the traumatic event.
• Avoiding experiencing emotions related to the event.
• Prolonged feelings of distress when exposed to internal cues (such as memories) or external cues (such as people, places, or things) that remind you of the event.
• Changes in cognition and mood. This can include an inability to remember events related to the trauma, having exaggerated negative beliefs (such as “the world is a horrible place”), blaming yourself for the event, negative emotions like fear, guilt, or shame, or feeling detached from others.
• Hyperarousal or hypervigilance. This can include symptoms like being verbally or physically overreactive to others, an exaggerated startle response, concentration problems, or sleep disturbances.

To obtain a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), individuals must exhibit a range of specific symptoms that persist for a minimum duration of one month. These symptoms must lead to notable distress and significant challenges in everyday functioning, impacting various aspects of life such as professional responsibilities, household duties, and social interactions.

In particular, PTSD can be particularly challenging for first responders—such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers—who frequently encounter traumatic situations. When PTSD coexists with addiction, the situation becomes even more complex. Research indicates a strong association between PTSD and substance use disorders (SUDs), suggesting that among individuals diagnosed with PTSD, the prevalence of substance use disorders throughout their lifetime can range from 36% to as high as 52%. This correlation underscores the critical need for specialized interventions that address both mental health and substance use issues in this vulnerable population.2

Behavioral Health Stigma First Responders Face

Stigma poses a significant challenge for first responders when it comes to seeking mental health support. Within the unique culture of first responders—comprised of firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and emergency medical technicians—there is often an ingrained belief that they must embody strength and stoicism. This cultural expectation can compel many individuals in these roles to downplay their struggles, deny the existence of mental health problems, or entirely refrain from asking for assistance.

Societal attitudes toward mental illness as a whole can exacerbate this issue, as there is a prevalent misconception that individuals suffering from mental health conditions may be merely seeking sympathy or exploiting their situation for personal gain. Such beliefs contribute to an internalized sense of shame, guilt, and inadequacy, making it increasingly difficult for first responders to acknowledge their vulnerabilities or admit that they require help in managing stress, trauma, or other symptoms of mental distress.

In addition to these societal pressures, first responders often harbor concerns regarding confidentiality and the potential ramifications on their careers should they choose to seek professional support. The fear of being stigmatized by colleagues or facing negative repercussions—such as being deemed unfit for duty—can create considerable anxiety.

Other obstacles can further complicate their access to treatment, including time constraints imposed by demanding work schedules, limited availability of mental health professionals familiar with the unique challenges faced by first responders, and the financial burden associated with mental health care.

A prevailing lack of trust in the system or the belief that they will not be understood by providers can deter many from pursuing the help they need. Together, these factors not only hinder access to mental health resources but also perpetuate the isolation that many first responders experience in their respective roles.

Specialized First Responder Rehab Programs in Las Vegas, Nevada

Specialized first responder substance use treatment programs can promote positive outcomes and help treat first responder trauma and addiction, as well as any other co-occurring disorders you may be struggling with. First responders face unique challenges such as long or irregular work hours, physical demands, or a lack of trust that can make it difficult for them to reach out for help. They may think treatment is inaccessible, but tailored treatment programs for first responders are designed to address your unique needs and concerns.

First responder addiction treatment programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of first responders who are struggling with substance use. Many first responders treatment programs place an emphasis peer support and fostering a sense of community; studies have shown that these can lead to benefits for first responders in treatment.

If you have a co-occurring disorder, it’s important to receive integrated treatment. This is designed to address the addiction as well as the mental health condition. Treating both is important for recovery success, as each condition can affect the other.

If you have a co-occurring disorder, it’s important to receive integrated treatment. This is designed to address the addiction as well as the mental health condition. Treating both is important for recovery success, as each condition can affect the other.²

Some of the therapies and treatments you may receive in Las Vegas might include:^{2, 6, 9}

• Dialectical behavior therapy-prolonged exposure. This can help treat the trauma and the addiction. It teaches emotional regulation skills, stress management skills, and other tools to help you cope.
• Individual trauma-focused therapy. You work with a therapist on a one-on-one basis to process the trauma and work on different issues related to mental health and addiction.
• Behavioral therapies, which can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, 12-step facilitation therapy, or motivational interviewing. These therapies are designed to help you stop using substances and help you make positive changes to thoughts and behaviors.
• Depending on the specific problem, you may receive pharmacotherapy, such as antidepressants, as a way of managing symptoms.

Finding First Responder Rehab Programs

If you’re interested in finding a first responder addiction treatment program, you might first start with a visit to your doctor, who can conduct an evaluation to help determine the appropriate treatment setting for your needs. You can use SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov website to search rehabs, or call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

You can also reach out to American Addiction Centers helpline any time of day or night. We have several employees trained in veterans and first responders’ relations. We can help connect you with a first responder treatment program that meets your needs. We operate Desert Hope, a treatment program in Las Vegas, NV that offers specialized treatment for first responders and veterans. It’s never too late to seek help—please call to speak to an admissions navigator today about your rehab options.