Addiction Recovery Treatment For First Responders

May is Military Appreciation and Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a great opportunity to express gratitude for all the brave Americans who are serving or have served the country. One of the ways River Oaks Treatment Center in Florida is raising awareness and encouraging conversations on the unique mental health issues that first responders face. These issues are addressed in rehab for first responders at River Oaks. 

First responders can include emergency medical technicians, firefighters, police officers, or any other profession that may involve exposure to trauma on the job.

“Providers of services that involve traumatic moments encounter scenarios that the general public may never experience,” said Christine Hernando, a licensed mental health counselor. “As a result, specialized treatment is in order to best lead the first responder to recovery.”

With over 23 million veterans across the country, studies suggest that only half of returning service members who need treatment for their mental health seek treatment, and substance misuse continues to mark a growing concern among both active members of the armed forces and veterans.

“The initial hesitancy to speak up and speak out about mental health and substance use issues among first responders is a substantial hurdle to overcome,” said Hernando. “And even when they do decide to reach out for help, many times, they’re faced with a provider who does not understand the unique culture and background of this population and has difficulty relating to their stories and experiences. That is why this group exists – to give this population a chance to share and heal with others who ‘get it.’”

River Oaks’ first responders program has several groups and treatment methods that specifically address the challenges first responders face. Some of the therapy sessions can focus on managing stress, compassion fatigue, balancing work, family, and health, increasing self-care and building a strong support system. Patients in this group will be treated by experts, including a board-certified psychiatrist, addictionologist, licensed therapists, and a team of registered nurses.

If you or a loved one are a first responder and looking for rehab centers near Tampa, give our rehab admissions navigators a call .