 Arizona, was fired in 2009 after driving under the influence of a drug. He was addicted to oxycodone.
“The medication pretty much took control of my life,” he told The Kingman Daily Miner.
Sean Riley, the founder of Safe Call Now, a 24-hour crisis referral service for law enforcement, says it’s normal for officers to use prescription drugs. He knew a veteran officer addicted to pain medications after a car accident.
The officer battled addiction for 12 years.
“This officer was prescribed lethal doses of methadone just to function and was on the job working,” Riley wrote in Law Enforcement Today. “The officer did not or could not have the ability to stop. He had no choice.”
He says the scenario is common in the profession.
Athletes use steroids to gain a competitive edge. Police officers use the drugs to gain an advantage of their own.
Many street officers find themselves vulnerable to bigger, stronger suspects. If a suspect resists arrest, a smaller officer may have difficulty apprehending them. Some officers turn to steroids to gain an advantage in these situations.
Steroid use among law enforcement officers has become popular. Gene Sanders, a Spokane, Washington, police psychologist, believes up to 25 percent of law enforcement personnel in urban settings use anabolic steroids.
While steroids may help police officers build muscles and achieve a more intimidating appearance, these drugs compromise their health. Steroid use has been linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and aggressive behavior.
Drug or alcohol abuse changes behaviors, which can affect job performance. Officers struggling with addiction may show signs of substance abuse, including:
Officers with substance use disorders may also show signs of withdrawal. These are debilitating symptoms that can lead to a host of consequences.
Signs of withdrawal vary by substance, though most symptoms include:
Officers should never deal with these symptoms on their own. This could worsen their health and lead to seizure, coma or death. It is important to seek immediate medical assistance during withdrawal.
Years ago, police culture did not acknowledge the adverse effects of stress on officers. Law enforcement agencies take these issues more seriously today. Some departments have created support programs to help officers overcome substance use disorders.
Substance abuse couldn’t be avoided in San Diego, where multiple officers battled addictions to prescriptions drugs, alcohol and steroids. In response, the SDPD developed its Wellness Unit, which helps officers overcome drug or alcohol abuse.
The initiative includes a captain and four officers who specialize in handling personal problems. The program is available to all officers.
Since 2011, about one-third of the department has used the program. It has helped officers deal with everything from domestic disputes to DUIs. Bill Lansdowne, former San Diego chief of police, says all police departments should help their officers manage stress.
The Baltimore Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department developed similar programs to help their employees avoid substance abuse.
Law enforcement officers battling substance use disorders have numerous resources at their disposal, and treatment is often the most effective option.
Psychiatrists can help an officer overcome substance abuse. Therapy sessions aim to change the way a person perceives drugs or alcohol and offer techniques to live healthy lives.
Police chaplains are spiritual resources. They counsel members of law enforcement through prayer and guidance. Chaplains also offer spiritual workshops in stress management, ethics and family life.
Officers are often reluctant to seek help for fear of disciplinary action. Consequently, they continue drinking or using drugs, worsening their situations.
Treatment is a viable option for police officers experiencing addiction. Treatment centers across the country offer comprehensive services catering to a person’s needs. Drug and alcohol rehab facilities offer numerous levels of care, including intensive inpati