People quit drinking every day. Some of them have lost more than you have and have engaged in more fights and arguments, and experienced worse hangovers. That is not to minimize the situation that you find yourself in, but to note that, regardless of where you find yourself today, there is no debate that living well is the goal!

People often think that there are only a few options for getting help with problem drinking. Those choices typically include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Peace Officer Fellowship (POF) or residential treatment centers. However, there are other options. Mental health professionals can provide treatments backed by science (evidence-based) in various settings. There are outpatient options that allow individuals to maintain their regular routines and remove many barriers to obtaining the needed help. Here are a few examples of support resources that address substance misuse issues that you may be less familiar with:

• Counseling sessions with a licensed therapist can help you build coping strategies and learn skills to reduce or stop problem drinking. These sessions can be offered individually, with family (when appropriate) or in a group.

• Medication prescribed by a physician/psychiatrist, preferably one that specializes in addiction, can offer non-addictive options that may help you stop consuming alcohol or other substances, in addition to preventing relapse.

• Computer-based, cognitive-behavioral therapy programs can help you identify problem-thinking patterns that relate to addictive behavior.

• Mobile apps can help you increase your awareness related to cravings and provide reminders and guidance for managing addictive behaviors.

Identifying the best fit of treatment option for you starts with acknowledging there is a problem and seeking a professional evaluation. The following four levels of care have been identified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine:

• Outpatient. Regular office visits for counseling, medication support or both.

• Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization. Coordinated and structured outpatient program that requires attendance multiple days a week.

• Residential. Short- or long-term programs in treatment settings.

• Intensive inpatient. Medically directed services to address and manage withdrawal symptoms/detox.

Regardless of the support that may work for you, it is important to look for approaches that are evidence based. Evidence-based interventions are supported by large and well-designed studies. Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) addresses varying degrees of alcohol and drug abuse issues that adversely affect Department members and their families. The Substance Abuse Resource Program coordinator and law enforcement psychologists at PSB are committed to assisting all employees with making appropriate choices to maintain a healthy and sober lifestyle. Call us at (213) 738-3500 if you wish to locate more information regarding treatment facilities or other resources. You are not alone, and getting help for a substance abuse problem can remain confidential.

In addition to the Department’s Psychological Services Bureau, the individuals listed above with lived experience are also available to offer support and guidance.