First Responders Rehab & Mental Health Treatment

firefighter looking at camera depicting first responders rehab

Updated May 7, 2024

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

firefighter looking at camera depicting first responders rehab

Whether you’re a firefighter, emergency paramedic, law enforcement officer, military member, or any other first responder, you’re not alone if you’re struggling with substance abuse.

At Gratitude Lodge, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment for first responders, as well as mental health treatment to help you address any underlying issues from work or life that may be contributing to addiction.

Drug & Alcohol Rehab for First Responders

For the first responders who put their own lives on the line every day to serve others, there comes a time when you need help too.

Being exposed to frequent high-stress, and occasionally traumatic events that come with this type of work can cause occupational hazards and emotional distress. When individuals in these kinds of environments don’t get the support they need, it can often lead to self-medication through drug and alcohol abuse.

A trauma-informed rehab for first responders is key in addressing the unique needs that come up during these experiences. First responder rehabs offer solutions via:

  • Specialized trauma care
  • Support groups
  • Confidential treatment
  • Customized treatment plan
  • Stress management
  • Family Therapy
  • Health & wellness focus
  • Aftercare & alumni groups
  • & more

If you or a loved one are a first responder struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, call our friendly recovery specialists to get help at 844-576-0144.

Understanding Addiction Among First Responders

First responders, like firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, face a lot of stress and see many traumatic things in their jobs. This stress can lead to problems like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. To deal with these challenges, some may use drugs or alcohol, which can quickly lead to addiction.

Addiction among first responders can be hard to spot because they often try to stay strong for their communities. They might hide their struggles or not seek help, thinking they should handle it alone. This can make addiction worse, affecting their health, work, and relationships.

Specialized treatment programs provide a safe space where first responders can talk about their struggles and get the right support. These programs help first responders overcome dependence and addiction. They also help them find healthy ways to deal with stress and emotions. These programs deal with both addiction and mental health issues at the same time, so first responders can recover and return to work feeling stronger and healthier.

image depicting first responders addiction treatment

First Responders Addiction Treatment Program

Our first responder addiction treatment program involves:

  • Assessment: An assessment helps healthcare professionals understand your needs and create a personal treatment plan.
  • Detox: If needed, you’ll detox from drugs or alcohol with medical supervision. Medical staff can help manage withdrawal symptoms, sometimes using medications.
  • Therapy and medications: You’ll attend therapy sessions to uncover the reasons behind your addiction. If needed, medications can be part of the treatment to help with both addiction and mental health issues. You’ll also get support for managing the trauma often experienced in first responder jobs.
  • Addiction and mental health treatment: If you have mental health challenges alongside addiction, treating both problems together gives the best results.
  • Support: You’ll be in a supportive setting where everyone understands the stresses first responders face. This includes peers in similar professions who understand your challenges.
  • Skills: You will learn new coping skills to handle stress and cravings, helping you stay on track after leaving the program.
  • Aftercare: After finishing the program, you’ll receive an aftercare plan that could include continued therapy or support groups to help keep your recovery on track.

Does My Insurance Cover Rehab for First Responders?

Most major health insurance plans cover first responders’ addiction treatment. The specifics will vary from plan to plan, so consult your insurer directly.

At Gratitude Lodge, we work with insurance providers to make sure first responders get the level of care and privacy they need when addressing addiction and mental health issues.

Use our free insurance coverage check to verify your treatment coverage.

First Responders Rehab FAQs

Is there a firefighter rehab?

Yes, there are rehab programs designed for firefighters. These programs tailor treatment to the unique needs of these workers.

What is alcohol rehab for firefighters like?

Alcohol rehab for firefighters provides specialized care, including therapy and support from professionals who understand the stress firefighters face. It helps them recover while considering their demanding jobs.

Is addiction treatment for firefighters covered by insurance?

Most health insurance plans cover addiction treatment for first responders like firefighters. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered.

Where can I find rehab for police officers?

Rehab programs are available and designed for police officers and their specific challenges. Search online or ask your doctor to find this type of treatment.

image of gratitude lodge | rehab for first responders

Get Premier First Responders Rehab at Gratitude Lodge

We offer first responders rehab programs at Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA. Join fellow firefighters and police officers as you follow personalized treatment plans.

Recovery begins with supervised detox. Medications and 24/7 care make the process safer and more comfortable. After about a week, you will move into ongoing inpatient treatment. Expect to access therapies such as:

Get alcohol or drug rehab for first responders by calling 844-576-0144.

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Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.

Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse.
an image of clients representing drug detox california

Holistic Therapy

Our holistic therapy treatments offer a full-scope approach to recovery, addressing your mind, body, and emotions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This therapy is designed to help address underlying issues and integrate alternative therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
Gratitude Lodge clients laughing, representing drug detox california

Psychotherapy

An essential part of your treatment experience, we offer individual (CBT and DBT talk therapy) and group addiction treatment counseling to help you explore and address the emotional component of addiction, providing you with the tools, self-awareness, and empowerment you need to maintain recovery.
woman at beach representing drug detox in california

Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis is a highly effective addiction treatment that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Often co-occurring, these disorders are best managed when treated together with specific and targeted therapy.
an image of a client and therapist at Gratitude Lodge's Long Beach addiction treatment center

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment provides you with FDA-approved medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while you’re in treatment. This makes the detox process easier and safer, as well as increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
an image of clients outside after getting help at Gratitude Lodge's rehab in Long Beach, California

Sober Living

Sober living provides a supportive and substance-free living environment for your ongoing recovery. We partner with a number of upscale and carefully vetted sober living homes that are available to our clients after inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
an image of clients at Gratitude Lodge's carson drug rehab

Outpatient Treatment

Once detox and inpatient are complete, we provide an easy transition to outpatient care through our hand-selected partners. This program offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to ease back in to daily life while still receiving frequent & effective care.
An image of clients going through inpatient substance abuse treatment

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides an intensive and comprehensive addiction treatment program in a structured environment. You will receive 24/7 expert care, therapy, and support as you build your foundation for long-term recovery.
an image of clients at clients at Gratitude Lodge's representing fear in recovery

Drug & Alcohol Detox

A crucial first step in the recovery process, our detox program provides a comfortable, medically supervised environment that addresses the physical aspect of addiction and eliminates substances from your body.
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Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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