Law enforcement has a drinking problem, and it should be recognized for the devastating collateral damage it is doing to departments, families, people on the roads and innocent bystanders. It is quite possible that you know or have heard about someone on the Department being relieved of duty due to his/her involvement in an alcohol-related incident. The collateral damage — other employees having to cover the shifts/work that the employee who is relieved would have done if he/she were at work. It is likely that you know or have heard about someone on the Department who got into an altercation while drinking that led to the need for medical attention or to an arrest. The collateral damage — the impact to the relationships, the financial strain this could put on a family or the absence of a parent/partner. It would not be surprising if you know or have heard about someone on the Department who got into a car accident while being under the influence. The collateral damage — injuries to bystanders, financial strain on a family or even the possible death of another person.

Let’s look at the collateral damage seen in families more specifically. While each family member may be affected in different ways, there are common themes that are often found. When living with someone who is misusing alcohol, life can be very difficult, as it is hard to know what to expect. Children of alcoholics often learn they cannot depend on their parent, and the spouse of an alcoholic often finds he/she needs to constantly develop alternative plans around their loved one’s drinking and reckless behavior. Family members might live in constant fear of their loved one’s potentially aggressive behavior, worrying that it could be directed at them at any moment. There is also often a feeling of lack of control, knowing that when things are going well, chaos may only be a few drinks away. It is impossible to predict alcoholic behavior, and family members often feel like they are subject to the alcoholic’s impulse. The constant lying, betrayal and abusive behavior exhibited by an alcoholic inevitably leads to a history of mistrust. Given these points, it is likely not surprising to read that the stress caused by living with someone who is misusing alcohol can have a disastrous effect on a person’s mental health.

While alcohol use disorder is recognized as a medical condition, there is still a stigma attached to those it affects (not just the drinker). This often results in family members hiding their struggles instead of seeking needed help from qualified professionals. There are, however, a lot of resources for family members and friends who could benefit from support. For example, there is Al-Anon, Alateen (for young people ages 13 to 18) and Nar-Anon for those who have been impacted by another person’s alcohol and/or drug use.

If you or someone you care about has a severe problem with alcohol or drugs, seeking professional help as soon as possible could be the first step in a positive direction. The potential personal and collateral damage that could result from substance abuse is too great to be disregarded. Consider reaching out to the Substance Abuse Resource Program at the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB), which addresses varying degrees of alcohol and drug abuse issues that adversely affect Department members and their families. In 1975, members of the Sheriff’s Department and the LAPD developed the Peace Officer’s Fellowship to advance the 12-step program begun by Alcoholics Anonymous, but in an environment for and by law enforcement personnel. Since this beginning, the Department has assisted employees with various issues related to the use and abuse of, and dependence on, substances such as alcohol or prescription medicines. The Substance Abuse Resource Program coordinator and the law enforcement psychologists at PSB are committed to assisting all employees with making appropriate choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you wish to receive more information regarding treatment facilities or other resources, call PSB at (213) 738-3500.