Month: December 2018

First Responders & Binge Drinking…

Posted on by armorupnow

By Safe Call Now Admin Staff

Not every first responder who struggles with alcohol addiction has a drink every day. You might think that restricting yourself to a few splurges here and there isn’t that harmful. Binge drinking (as defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) is a pattern of alcohol consumption that raises the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or higher. Over a two-hour period, that’s roughly five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women. Despite not being classified as a severe alcohol use disorder, binge drinking still carries a number of significant risks both in the short-term and over the long haul for first responders

Continue reading “First Responders & Binge Drinking…” →

#1stresponders, Alcohol & Mental Illness

Posted on by armorupnow

By Safe Call Now Admin Staff

Driving in severe weather is a nerve-wracking experience. Your tires could slip on the road at any second. Your windshield wipers are working furiously to provide visibility, but to no avail.

It’s difficult to see the path ahead and the maneuvers that would be safe under normal conditions can become incredibly dangerous. Your mind, senses and reflexes all must operate at a high level to help you navigate the treacherous road and make it home safely.

Continue reading “#1stresponders, Alcohol & Mental Illness” →

It Won’t Happen To Me… Painkillers and Police Officers

Posted on by armorupnow

By Safe Call Now Admin Staff

You’ve seen some terrible things on the job. Families torn apart by random acts of violence. Teenagers’ lives ruined or lost over drugs.

You’ve feared for your own life a few times, too.  It’s hard to talk about these feelings with your family, and why would you even want to? You want to protect them from feeling the way you do.

And mentioning anything to the other officers at work about the anxiety, fear or depression you’re experiencing is definitely out. You’ve heard the way they talk about the last guy who couldn’t cut it on the force.

Then, your doctor prescribes painkillers to help with a lingering injury you suffered on the job, and suddenly, you’re finding it easier to deal with those difficult emotions. While prescription painkillers can provide temporary relief from physical and even mental and emotional pain, they’re not a long-term solution for the issues you’re facing.

Continue reading “It Won’t Happen To Me… Painkillers and Police Officers” →