Firefighters and Addiction

Ana Fernweh Photography

Trigger Warning: Discussion of suicide statistics

Firefighters are among the heroes of our nation – bravely protecting families and homes, treasured lands, businesses and individuals, and even animals – all without any guarantee of their own safety. Many may not realize how vital the work of a firefighter is until their home, life, or community is in danger and saved by the selfless men and women who dedicate their lives to fighting fires and stopping disasters.

The risks firefighters face each day on the job are great. Whether reporting to a house fire, traveling to an out-of-control wildfire, or responding to another type of emergency, a firefighter never knows what they’ll encounter. They may be hurt on the job, or even lose their life. They may suffer smoke inhalation, witness the death or injury of a colleague or civilian, or be unable to stop a disaster from occurring.

In addition to these risks – perhaps, in part, due to these risks – many firefighters face another danger as well: substance addiction.

Firefighters and Substance Addiction: Statistics

According to a 2013 study published by Occupational Medicine, approximately 58% of career firefighter participants, and 40% of volunteer firefighters, reported drinking heavily at least ten days out of the month (about half of their off-duty days). A similar percentage reported binge drinking on the days that they consumed alcohol.

A 2012 study reported that of firefighters who drank, approximately 9% of career firefighters, and 10% of volunteer firefighters, reported driving while intoxicated in the previous month.

In 2017, a study published in Womens Health Issues indicated that nearly 40% of participants (all women firefighters) reported binge drinking in the previous month. 4.3% reported driving while intoxicated. Problem drinkers were 2.5 times more likely to have been diagnosed with depression or PTSD, and 40% more likely to have been injured on the job in the previous year.

In 2017, more firefighters died as a result of suicide than in the line of duty. It is also estimated that firefighter suicides are severely underreported.

Why are Firefighters at Risk of Struggling with Drug Addiction?

Just as every individual is unique, every individual’s struggle with substance abuse and addiction is unique as well. Of course, firefighters are no exception. However, certain aspects of a career in firefighting, or even ongoing volunteer work as a firefighter, may make this population more vulnerable to addiction and substance problems.

Some factors that may make firefighters at higher risk for substance use and addiction include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after someone experiences a traumatic event and is then left with long-lasting symptoms that interfere with their ability to function in everyday life. Symptoms of PTSD include recurring and/or involuntary memories or nightmares, avoidance of trauma-related thoughts, and persistent negative emotions.

Because of the nature of their jobs, firefighters are exposed to high levels of trauma – for example, witnessing violent crime scenes, trying to provide medical support to children and infants, and seeing victims of a disaster or crime“dead on arrival”. The high level of these incidents may explain why firefighters are more likely to experience PTSD than those in many other professions.

Repeated Exposure Trauma (RET)

While PTSD is linked to one traumatic event, Repeated Exposure Trauma (RET) is linked to the effects of continuously and repeatedly being exposed to trauma and stress.

Although there have been studies examining the connection between PTSD and firefighters, many feel more research should be done on RET on firefighters.

Depression

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, levels of depression are higher in firefighters than in the general population, perhaps due to job stress and trauma exposure.

Tough Work Conditions and Burnout

Many firefighters have irregular work schedules and may work long hours in rough conditions.

Firefighters battling a wildfire, for example, may work on-site in long shifts without needed breaks, and with poor air quality. These factors, along with the stress and trauma exposure that comes with the job, can make firefighters susceptible to “burnout”, a condition the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines by the following characteristics:

  • Exhaustion
  • Withdrawal from workplace and coworkers
  • Cynicism and unhelpful attitude toward the goal of the work and the people being served 

What are the Signs and Symptoms that a Firefighter is Struggling with Addiction?

Because PTSD is so often a part of the equation when dealing with a firefighter who is struggling with substance addiction, understanding the symptoms of PTSD may help to identify a potential problem.

Signs of PTSD include:

  • Being emotionally distant
  • Avoiding places and people that are reminders of trauma
  • Withdrawing from co-workers, friends, and loved ones
  • Acting jumpy and easily becoming irritated or angry
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night
  • Loss of interest in usual activities

Additional signs that a firefighter may be struggling with substance use and addiction include:

  • Developing an increasing tolerance or obsession with a substance, including alcohol
  • Being secretive or defensive about substance use
  • Participating in risk-taking activities
  • Behaving out-of-character; may become more irritable and angrier
  • Sleeplessness
  • A loss of interest in normal activities or loved ones

Coworkers may notice the following signs of substance abuse:

  • Sleepiness on the job
  • Decreased quality of personal hygiene
  • Increase in on-the-job mistakes
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating and problems with memory
  • Taking longer than usual to complete tasks

What Drugs Are Firefighters Most Commonly Addicted to?

Most studies involving firefighters and substance addiction have focused on alcohol use; however, more research may be needed to determine which drugs and substances are most commonly used.

Because many firefighters suffer from injuries, for example, some may use painkillers, which can be addictive. Other prescriptions, such as certain anxiety medications, may also be addictive.

How Can Substance Addiction Affect a Firefighter’s Job Performance and Safety?

Substance use and addiction can be incredibly dangerous for a firefighter’s safety on the job and can severely and negatively affect his or her job performance.

An office worker may be able to get away with “zoning out” at the office, but a firefighter must be fully alert and engaged every moment they are on the job – their lives, and the lives of their colleagues and the people they’re trying to save, may depend on it.

Substance use and addiction can lead to dangerous on-the-job mistakes, slower response times, and bad decision-making. These factors can be the difference between life and death when it comes to a burning building or an emergency event.

How Can Drug Addiction Affect a Firefighter’s Career?

Many firefighters struggling with addiction may be able to hide their problem better than most – after all, the job requires an extraordinary level of control over one’s emotions and actions. However, eventually, the physical and psychological toll of addiction will catch up with even the most disciplined and skilled professional.

Work performance will go down, and the behaviors associated withaddiction may cause the individual to develop a reputation for unpredictability, poor judgment, and suspicious personal habits. These are all traits that can stop a firefighter’s career right in its tracks.

However, now more than ever, there is an increasing awareness of the stress and demands placed upon a first responder. A firefighter who genuinely wants to stop their substance abuse and completes a comprehensive treatment program should be able to expect the support and respect of their colleagues and leaders.

Are the Employers of Firefighters Able to Help with Drug Rehab and Recovery?

There are many different types of firefighters in the country. Some may be employed by their city’s fire department; others may work as contractors or volunteer firefighters in their community. Depending upon a firefighter’s relationship with their team or leadership, they may be able to find resources for addiction recovery.

Because of the increased awareness of the stresses and trauma faced by firefighters, many cities and fire organizations are offering more support to their first responders. Some are now encouraging peer support groups, both on the job and after hours.

Some, too, are trying to erase the stigma so often associated with seeking help for psychological or substance problems as a firefighter. After the devastating fire season of 2018, for example, CalFire, labor organizers, counselors, and fire chiefs throughout California worked together and committed to offering more resources and support to firefighters.

Seeking Help

Firefighters face constant stress and trauma in their work life. Without the tools to process and cope with these events and feelings, substances like alcohol can seem like an appealing escape from unwanted thoughts and memories. But using substances and battling addiction can lead down a dangerous path that can put their own lives, as well as the lives of others, at risk. It can also cost them their entire career. Fortunately, today there is a greater understanding of the struggles firefighters face, and more resources to help them fully recover from addiction and mental health issues.

Firefighters face higher rates of addiction and suicide than many other populations. If you suspect a firefighter you know is struggling with mental health problems or substance use issues, seeking help and supporting them through treatment may have a huge impact. It may even save their life.