If you’ve been consuming alcohol, drugs, or viewing pornography regularly for weeks, months, or even years, you may develop a physical dependence on the substance. In cases of long-term addiction and dependence, you may begin to experience the signs of withdrawal when you stop using it.

This is especially true for alcohol, opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers, benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, stimulants like cocaine and crack, and hypnotics like Sonata and Lunesta. Depending on the substance used and duration of use, the side effects of withdrawal can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

Because of the stressful and often traumatic work that firefighters and paramedics do daily, some turn to alcohol or drugs to feel better, if only for a little while. Others begin taking prescription drugs for workplace injuries, pain, or insomnia and slowly become dependent on them over time. No matter the initial cause, recognizing the signs of substance use disorder early on could mean the difference between a successful recovery and a lifelong battle with addiction.

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it reduces the activity of the central nervous system. Even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with a firefighter's or paramedic’s ability to perform the job. This is one of the many reasons that it’s so important to be able to identify the warning signs of alcohol abuse, as well as the options for treatment.  Some of the signs of substance abuse are hard to miss. Others may be more subtle. If you recognize any of the symptoms of addiction in yourself or others, consider seeking help from a professional treatment provider.