Author: IAFF Center of Excellence Staff

June 23, 2019

Over the course of an entire career, constant exposure to trauma can add up and become overwhelming for fire fighters and paramedics, resulting in various mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many fire fighters have trouble talking about their traumatic experiences and asking for help.

In some cases, fire fighters slip into an unhealthy routine of isolation to escape from traumatic memories. Fire fighters with PTSD may have episodes of recurring images or feelings they can’t seem to shake. Instead of reaching out for help, these individuals often struggle alone. Some may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms.

Mental Health and Trauma Exposure

A survey conducted by an NBC affiliate (NBCDFW) in collaboration with the IAFF polled nearly 7,000 fire fighters about mental health and trauma. This survey revealed several eye-opening statistics:

• 81 percent thought they would appear weak or unfit for discussing their feelings
• 71 percent said they had trouble sleeping
• 65 percent had unwanted memories
• 19 percent had suicidal thoughts

These startling numbers suggest that untreated behavioral health disorders are a serious problem in the fire service. Left unaddressed, the risk of developing other mental health conditions increases. Some may self-medicate with substances to deal with their symptoms.

For example, you might find that alcohol temporarily numbs feelings of anxiety. However, these uncomfortable feelings return as soon as the effect of alcohol wears off. Eventually, you may overuse alcohol and experience unhealthy consequences.

The underlying anxiety continues to drive alcohol misuse, and the consequences of alcohol misuse can further fuel your anxiety. Without treatment, these two disorders may continue to feed each other and worsen both conditions.

Alcohol Abuse in the Fire Service

A Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Research and Development grant-funded study published in 2016 to examine fire fighters with repeated exposure to trauma includes the following responses:

• 85 percent of fire fighters drank alcohol in the prior 30 days
• Of that 85 percent, approximately half reported binge drinking in the past month
• On average, fire fighters reported drinking alcohol 10 days per month, or about half of their off-duty days

Alcohol and Co-Occurring Disorders Among Fire Fighters

Alcohol use disorders, like other substance use disorders, rarely occur because of one reason alone. Substance use disorders are often accompanied by a mental health disorder. When multiple behavioral health conditions occur together, they’re referred to as co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders can present in a variety of combinations. Fire fighters most commonly struggle with acute stress disorder (ASD), PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Some researchers note that drinking in moderation is part of fire service culture. It’s not out of the norm for a group of fire fighters to grab a few drinks after their shift.

However, if you or someone you know notices unhealthy drinking patterns, it’s time to talk to someone about it. If you or a fellow fire fighter is drinking more after work or consuming large amounts of alcohol alone, it could be a sign of a substance use disorder, mental health disorder or both.

At the IAFF Center of Excellence, our staff understands what fire fighters deal with in their career. The Center is a rehabilitation facility for both substance use and behavioral health disorders designed for fire fighters, by fire fighters. If you or someone you know lives with PTSD or a substance addiction, call the IAFF Center of Excellence today.

Medical Disclaimer: The IAFF Center of Excellence aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.