Correctional officers (or prison guards) work in high-pressure roles and often experience traumatic events that can lead to addiction and mental health struggles. Occupational stress, irregular hours, poor working conditions, and dealing with violent prison inmates can make it difficult for these first responders to cope with their jobs, leading to substance abuse disorders that require immediate treatment. While a stigma surrounds alcohol and drug rehab, it’s critical for officers to seek professional help.
Olympus Recovery wants to remove the stigma surrounding rehab for correctional officers. Our recovery solutions include the Help for Our Heroes program for first responders, which addresses the root causes of addiction and low-psych mental health issues, providing in-network, trauma-focused resources based on evidence-based treatment. Located in Delray Beach, Florida, our rehabilitation center supports officers from all walks of life, helping them on the road to recovery. Officers can get the help they need in a welcoming environment and small group setting.
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 392,600 corrections officers in the United States. These professionals often experience traumatic events in correctional facilities, such as breaking up fights, enforcing rules, and enduring abuse and harassment from the prison population. Occupational stresses can take a toll on their mental health and sometimes lead to substance use. Co-occurring disorders can occur when officers become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A correctional officer may exhibit behavioral changes after a traumatic experience at a facility. These changes might make it difficult for them to focus at work or maintain relationships with family members, friends, and co-workers. Behavioral problems triggered by trauma include:
When a correctional officer experiences trauma and has a drug or alcohol problem, it can lead to poor choices and decision-making at work, resulting in disciplinary action for bad behavior. Further violations can lead to a correctional officer losing their job, increasing the chance of additional mental health problems. That’s why it’s critical officers seek professional help from experienced staff at a rehab center at the earliest opportunity.
Correctional staff can overcome trauma at a rehab for first responders, especially when the treatment center understands the occupational stresses of being on the front line. Trained support staff at a rehab facility can identify the traumatic event or events potentially resulting in drug or alcohol addiction and help correctional officers manage behavioral health challenges that impact their ability to work. Most officers with substance use disorders overcome addiction, prevent relapse, and lead more successful lives when they seek the correct mental health treatment.
Correctional officers require personalized treatment that identifies trauma and helps them on the road to recovery. These professionals might be more susceptible to drug and alcohol addiction than the general population because of occupational stresses. So choosing a rehab center that adopts a customized approach based on a correctional officer’s background, experiences, professional capacity, and lifestyle can increase the chances of successful recovery. Personalized treatment solutions can help officers:
The personalized evidence-based approach to alcohol and drug addiction supports correctional officers dealing with withdrawal symptoms and teaches them coping mechanisms that prevent relapse and improve long-term recovery. Officers can incorporate different treatments into their recovery plans for more successful outcomes. Some of the most popular treatments at rehab for correctional officers include:
Some officers might suffer from multiple addictions and need professional help to withdraw from these substances. Like other first responders, officers could have a higher susceptibility to alcohol because of the drinking culture that exists in their jobs. Co-workers might drink together after long shifts, increasing the likelihood of addiction in individuals dealing with trauma. Corrections officers might abuse these substances:
Olympus Recovery has experience helping corrections officers deal with trauma, behavioral health issues, and substance abuse at our Florida facility. We designed our Help for Our Heroes programs for first responders dealing with addiction and low-psych mental health conditions. We are also committed to removing the stigma around first responders seeking professional support for their substance use issues.
Olympus accepts most healthcare insurance plans, providing officers with peace of mind when determining the affordability of rehab. We are in-network with Brighthealth, Allied Trades, Cigna, Tricare, and other providers. We are also accredited by the Joint Commission, Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR), Department of Children and Family Services (DCF), and other organizations.
We welcome every corrections officer through our doors, no matter their background. Our professionals support these first responders as they embark on recovery and help them overcome the challenges of substance abuse. Correctional officers who enroll in our hospitalization and partial hospitalization programs can enjoy a shared living space with community apartments, a clubhouse, and a swimming pool.
If you’re a corrections officer suffering from a substance use disorder or know someone who is, we’re waiting for your call. Dial (866) 305-7134 to hear about our Help for Our Heroes program, or send us a message. The road to recovery starts when you pick up the phone.
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