First responders—paramedics, firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, corrections staff, and search‑and‑rescue teams—carry a weight that most people never see. They run toward danger, witness trauma daily, and are expected to remain composed in situations that would overwhelm anyone else. Over time, this exposure can take a profound toll on mental health, often manifesting as post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), operational stress injuries, and, for some, substance use disorders.

As an addiction specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how these challenges intersect. The good news is that help exists, recovery is possible, and no first responder has to navigate this alone.