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First responders are not immune to the challenges of daily life. In fact, they often struggle more than others because they witness so much trauma in their jobs. At work, they are taught to be more focused on alleviating the pain of others and offering support to victims. As a result, when they need help themselves, they may not feel there is anywhere to go. Peer support from those who love them is critical for helping them navigate the journey of recovery.
Offering Support
If a first responder struggles with addiction, they may also have mental health issues. Often, there is a lot of support provided on the job. Peer support can be formal or informal, but getting help from loved ones throughout this journey is essential. Connecting with peers who understand addiction and recovery will make the process better down the road.
They Know Your Journey
First responders work a lonely job. The only people who understand are those on shift with them. Day in and day out, colleagues help each other navigate the complexities of life. Meeting with people who speak the same language and know what they’ve been through really helps. There is a certain camaraderie that comes with knowing someone else is on the job, witnessing some of the same things and struggling. It also helps to find those who are further down the road to recovery. They know the journey and can offer guidance.
You Work with Them
Peers on shift often open up to each other about their struggles. Maybe they are sharing about challenges they’re having in life, marriage, or work. First responders work all day, every day. They are on call and always ‘on the go.’ Chances are someone from the peer group is going through similar things and is willing to open up about it.
Applicable Tools
On-the-job work is not the same as dealing with it in your personal life. Even if an individual is dealing with treatment issues or mental health concerns, they need to apply them to their lives. It is not about applying it to someone else’s life. They may never be able to find a cure for addiction, but it can be managed with the right support.
Communication
Getting help is infinitely more manageable if you’re able to communicate effectively. Effective communication means learning how to talk accurately about your experiences and identifying those in whom you can place your trust. Being vulnerable means finding a therapist, friends, or a safe group in which to share. Talking about these critical issues means sharing some of the delicate parts of life, especially in recovery.
Family Help
The family can participate in therapy with someone in treatment for addiction. They are not alone in the fight of their lives. The family may also be able to talk about genetic and generational challenges related to addiction. Resources for the family can be found through peer support groups. Often, the family can help highlight issues a person doesn’t want to recognize within themselves. First responders don’t usually let themselves be vulnerable. They have too much to do on the job to let their emotions get in the way. Peer support helps people know how to navigate the challenges with help from those who understand and can offer compassion, including family members.
Releasing Judgment
One of the biggest worries about entering recovery is the fear of being judged or treated differently. First responders are not immune to worrying about whether they will feel judged harshly by their peers. They know they will struggle with judgment and condemnation from some people, but loved ones should offer kindness and compassion. The goal is to seek first the healing from recovery and worry about what others think later. Judgment can lead to self-condemnation and a lack of confidence in feeling capable of handling recovery. It may be time to release judgment and find hope.
Moving Forward
Whatever the circumstances, official peer support groups or just local friends are great for helping people navigate life in recovery. Often the first person someone tells is a friend or loved one. Knowing when to reach out and ask for help is key to taking advantage of all that peer support has to offer. The journey is not going to be easy. It will be filled with lots of emotions, and hard experiences as the first responder adjusts to navigating life in this new way. Every time they put themselves in a new place to learn something different, they are challenging their personal view of themselves. Peer support can be an excellent balm for people who are struggling with their self-perception or ideals in recovery. Looking ahead, it is part of the journey to struggle but also to rely on those who are stronger and can help lift people up in times of trouble.
Forge is a place to come and recover your life from addiction. We help you reimagine what is possible and create the life you’ve been dreaming of.
Call us today: 1-888-224-7312
