HEALTH & WELLNESS
De-stigmatizing addiction
treatment for LEOs
The law enforcement field can be both physically
and emotionally demanding. In fact, the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics reports that police, sheriff’s patrol
and corrections officers have one of the highest rates
of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
When injuries necessitate prescription opioids,
addiction is a risk. Once that prescription has run its
course, it’s not uncommon to end up “doctor shop-
DR. MICHAEL ping” for additional scripts, or even seeking opioids
BIZZARRO elsewhere. 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 nega-
tively impacting their careers. Yet seeking treatment before a crisis
necessitates it is a productive step.
To promote early treatment and prevention, Princeton House
Behavioral Health First Responder Treatment Services (FRTS) staff
members have expanded their outreach efforts to educate law en-
forcement officers, leadership and recruits. They recently present-
ed the benefits of providing treatment services versus terminating
employment to 21 law enforcement departments in Union County.
The team is also helping law enforcement officers to better recog-
nize addiction in their peers and educating recruits in conjunction
with the Middlesex County Police Training Center.
FRTS uses specific well-being assessment modules with recruits
to give them tools they’ll need moving forward. It’s very important
to provide education about stress management and risk awareness
right from the beginning of their careers.
The First Responder Treatment Services team is comprised of
former law enforcement officers and military veterans, who can
help build trust and open the door to communication among first
responders. Group therapy is designed around the unique ele-
ments of a first responder’s role, and the inpatient length of stay
is roughly two weeks. The team helps coordinate with short-term
disability and human resources when needed, and facilitates an af-
tercare plan to maintain treatment progress.
To learn more about the First Responder Treatment Services,
call 888-437-1610 (outpatient) or 800-242-2550 (inpatient), or visit
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We appreciate the New Jersey State PBA, its members and families
Thank You for All that You Do
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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