Research shows police officers have the fifth most stressful occupation in the U.S. and the 25th most dangerous. In 2019, 86 police and sheriff’s patrol officers were killed, and many more were injured in the line of duty. The top causes of those deaths were injuries inflicted by other people or animals. Police officers are tasked with maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety, often having high-tension encounters with violent, dangerous individuals. As a result, it’s not uncommon for law enforcement to have mental and physical health issues, sometimes leading to self-medication in the form of alcohol and drugs.
People with an alcohol use disorder develop a dependence on and tolerance to alcohol. They continue to engage in problematic drinking despite having incurred adverse consequences and find it challenging to quit or curb their drinking habits on their own. Eventually, their mental health, family, and social life suffer. If left unaddressed, the impact of their disorder will continue to worsen in nearly every aspect of their life.
At Guardian Recovery, we provide a comprehensive and customized addiction treatment program that helps those struggling with alcohol dependence heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Contact us today for a free assessment and to learn more.
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Is Alcohol Misuse Common Among Police Officers?
Researchers and professionals in the criminal justice and counseling fields have expressed concerns about alcohol misuse among police officers for many years.
Although statistics somewhat vary, a large body of research has found alcohol and drug addiction among police officers is between 2-3 times higher than in the general population.
Law Enforcement & Alcohol Use Statistics
According to research published in the American Journal on Addiction, data collected from a survey of approximately 700 police officers found nearly 8% had misused or become dependent on alcohol at some time in life.
Additionally, an average of 17% of male and female officers reported having experienced adverse consequences related to alcohol misuse. It was also found that “female officers had patterns of alcohol use similar to male officers and substantially more than females in the general population.”
A recent meta-analysis revealed that the incidence of hazardous drinking among police was greater than one-quarter (25.7%). The incidence of alcohol dependence was 5% (1 in 20). This figure might seem insignificant, but less so compared to the 3.33% (1 in 30) incidence in the general population. Older research found the alcohol abuse rate among U.S. police officers was as much as double that of the general population.
Finally, researchers using AUDIT, an alcohol use assessment, tracked drinking behavior among police recruits from their first day in the academic through to one year. They found that the training process introduces recruits to a culture of alcohol use that may impact their personal drinking habits.
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Common Alcohol Misuse Causes Among Police Officers
Police officers are responsible for enforcing the law, protecting the lives of citizens, and maintaining order. Some tasks are relatively low-risk and routine, such as issuing traffic tickets or assisting in traffic accidents. However, they must also investigate crimes, identify and locate suspects, and arrest offenders. They can come into contact with gangs, drug distributors, and violent individuals who commit armed robberies or assaults.
As a result, it’s not surprising that some police officers use alcohol to cope with job-related stressors or self-medicate for anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many will have a genetic predisposition or risk factors related to the environment in which they were raised. Moreover, a person susceptible to alcohol use entering a law enforcement career may be inclined to self-medicate due to the stressful and demanding situations they face on duty.
Factors contributing to alcohol misuse among police officers include the following:
Stressful Schedules
Police officers may work extended shifts for several days in succession before having any days off. This routine can result in fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Maintaining a regular, healthy schedule can be challenging for police officers working long or erratic shifts. De-stressing through alcohol use on days off or at the end of a long stressful day can become a common, albeit unhealthy coping mechanism.
Exposure to Other Stressors
Because being a police officer is inherently risky and any given situation is uncertain, they are frequently plagued by intense stress and pressure. Also, exposure to intense and dangerous conditions intermixed with long periods of relative peace may result in an emotional tug-of-war leading to anxiety and other mental health issues.
Police have also experienced increased public distrust and scrutiny in recent years. For example, some officers’ actions, such as the abuse of suspects, civil rights violations, and fatalities, have resulted in widespread outrage and severe penalties, including incarceration. Negative publicity related to police brutality accusations has likely made the job of police officers all the more difficult and stressful.
Trauma & PTSD
There are many physical and emotional health problems police officers can suffer that contribute to self-medication and alcohol misuse. Research has found that stress in law enforcement is linked to depression, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), PTSD is a psychiatric condition that can occur among “people who “have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event…” Common signs and symptoms of PTSD are persistent, intrusive thoughts and negative emotions, such as fear, anger, and depression related to their experience(s). They often suffer from nightmares and flashbacks and avoid people, places, or things that remind them of the traumatic event.
Like veterans who experience combat, police officers can be exposed to stressful, terrifying, and traumatic events. Officers can develop PTSD-related symptoms due to a single experience or many over time. Indeed, significant research has estimated approximately 14% of police officers suffer from PTSD.
Recent data collected from a survey of more than 1,300 police officers suggests nearly half exhibited PTSD symptoms. And not unlike veterans, individuals in law enforcement are often expected to repress emotions. The police culture sometimes regards officers who admit to having mental health issues as weak or unable to handle the demands of their job.
PTSD & Alcohol Misuse
A large body of research has established a strong link between mental health conditions and alcohol misuse. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, individuals who experience PTSD are more likely than others to engage in problem drinking, and those with drinking problems often have PTSD.
As many as three-quarters of those who have survived “abusive or violent trauma” and up to one-third of those who survive “traumatic accidents, illness, or disasters” report drinking problems. There’s little doubt that police officers are at heightened risk of experiencing traumatic events such as assault, murder, and the use of deadly force.
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Seeking Treatment in a Comprehensive, Individualized, Addiction Recovery Program
If you or a loved one is in law enforcement and struggling with alcohol abuse, Guardian Recovery is here to help. We have multi-faceted, evidence-based treatment programs equipped to treat alcohol and drug addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as PTSD.
When you contact us, you’ll be introduced to a Treatment Advisor who will conduct a brief assessment and collect information about you and your challenges related to alcohol misuse. From there, we can help you determine which level of care is most appropriate for you. If you’re insured, we offer a free, no-obligation health insurance check. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, we can help you explore other options, including self-pay and private pay.
If you are ready to take back your life and get on the road to recovery, we will provide you with the education, tools, and support you need to maintain long-term sobriety and foster a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
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