How to Spot a High-Functioning #1stresponder Alcoholic

Posted on by armorupnow

By Safe Call Now Admin

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 19.5% of alcoholics in the United States belong to a subtype known as “functional.” These individuals tend to be middle-aged and well-educated with stable jobs and families. About one-third have a multigenerational family history of alcoholism and about one-quarter have a depressive illness sometime in their lives. But what else do we know about these individuals? How do you spot a high-functioning first responder alcoholic?

What Is a High-Functioning First Responder Alcoholic?

Despite the fact that high-functioning first responder alcoholics share many of the same symptoms as traditional alcoholics, they are better at hiding the problem. Their lives seem to be in order (both personally and professionally), but in reality, they’re losing control. Their ability to function in society and at home impairs their judgement and many can’t accept or admit they have a problem. This means that high-functioning first responder alcoholics rarely get the help they need as they actually start to need it.

So how can you tell if a first responder is an alcoholic? Here are 7 symptoms to look for:

  1. They start coming up with reasons or excuses to justify their heavy alcohol use.
  2. They set limitations for themselves but frequently surpass that limit.
  3. They lose interest in activities and stop socializing with friends when alcohol isn’t involved.
  4. They start replacing food or meals with alcohol, and start sneaking and hiding it from others.
  5. Their behaviors start to change and they become more aggressive or impulsive when they drink.
  6. They start frequently experiencing blackouts.
  7. They drink in the morning to avoid feeling hungover or experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

It’s only a matter of time before most of these high-functioning first responder alcoholics break. And once a first responder loses control, it’s hard to get it back. Maybe a first responder has been lucky enough to avoid serious problems so far, but everyone’s luck runs out. Get them the help they need before that happens.  Safe Call Now’s here for you 24/7 Nationwide.  #1stresponder to #1stresponder.

Safe Call Now:  24 Hour Hotline:  206-459-3020

For more information on the First Responder Wellness Program:  Click here

or call Shannon Clairemont at:  661-666-1104

To verify your insurance:  Click Here

Published by armorupnow

Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now, a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now crisis line that is staffed by current and former first responders. Sean played baseball for San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and later relocated to Washington State in 1990. Sean spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department. His many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator's Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, Interview and Interrogation Specialist, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and Certified Training Officer. Riley is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation. Sean's prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. In addition to attending college for substance abuse counseling, Sean worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed many public safety employees coming in and out of treatment. Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward to help, but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers. Recognized as a dynamic national keynote speaker, Sean travels throughout the country to share his inspirational story. Coupled with cutting edge, interactive training, Riley hits those once thought of as "taboo" or "controversial" topics head-on. "Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives, resources and a complete continuum of care to save lives and put families back together. Through a collaborative effort, Safe Call Now has discovered when you provide an opportunity for an individual to get their life and their family back, you get one great employee back out serving the public." - Sean Riley, Founder/President