Join me as I reflect on when I went to a rehabilitation centre in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Police Officers go to rehabilitation centres, first responders go to rehabilitation centres. You would be surprised how many first responders end up going to a rehabilitation centre. There are programs designed specifically for first responders and the trauma they have endured as a result of occupational stress injuries or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Two programs usually are offered to a first responder: A trauma based program (absent of addiction issues) and a trauma based program with addiction issues. I was in a state of denial and unwilling at the time to admit the depth of my issue, or addiction, and thus opted for the the trauma based program. I believed at that time that if I addressed my trauma from policing I would be able to deal with the addiction issue at the same time. Essentially negating any need to admit that I too was facing an addiction issue on top of my preexisting PTSD issues from Policing.
As I reflect on this experience I am incredibly grateful for having had gone. I learned much about myself, my trauma and why I was unwell after years of traumatic first responder exposures on the job. I learned where trauma exists in our bodies. Surprisingly its not where you would think. I also learned how to allow my body the opportunity to start to decompress after years of trauma and accumulation of stress.
I also learned about the connection between experienced trauma as first responder and childhood trauma. How this often times must both be "treated" in order to begin to heal from everything you have experienced in your life.
I also gained sobriety in rehab. Something I also acknowledge I needed in order to begin the healing process. I will never forget the amazing people I met there. Those that healed, those that relapsed and those who unfortunately are no longer with us due to the disease.
Thank you for listening and thank you for your support!
