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NCJRS Abstract

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NCJ Number: 207385 Find in a Library
Title: Police Trauma and Addiction: Coping With the Dangers of the Job
Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin  Volume:73  Issue:10  Dated:October 2004  Pages:24-32
Author(s): Chad L. Cross Ph.D.; Larry Ashley Ed.S.
Date Published: October 2004
Page Count: 9
Sponsoring Agency: NCJRS Photocopy Services
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
United States of America
Document: HTML
Type: Issue Overview
Format: Article
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: This article instructs police administrators in responses to trauma and stress, the link between trauma and substance abuse, and strategies for breaking the cycle of trauma and substance abuse.
Abstract: Police officers' stress reactions to various threatening and disturbing events can lead to psychologically, cognitively, and physically debilitating conditions that impair occupational performance. Alcohol and other drug abuse are maladaptive responses to stress and trauma, and such substance abuse is widespread among police officers. Researchers have identified four occupational demands that can trigger alcohol abuse by police officers: reacting unemotionally to the daily stresses of the job (depersonalization), authoritarian demands from police managers, organizational protection of officers from criticism, and daily awareness of the dangers of the job. Substance abuse compounds the debilitating effects of occupational stress and impacts not only job performance but also an officer's family life. Intervention to prevent this downward spiral is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies. Such intervention begins with instructing officers to expect and recognize stress reactions and to use constructive stress-management techniques. Further, agencies should provide mechanisms and services such as professional and peer counseling, trauma teams, and instruction in the dangers of substance abuse. 28 notes
Main Term(s): Police drug use
Index Term(s): Police occupational stress; Police stress training; Stress management
To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=207385

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