Alcohol has long been embedded in first responder culture. From “choir practice” after shifts to bonding at happy hour, drinking can feel like part of the job. But for many officers, firefighters, and their spouses, what starts as social connection can quietly become a coping mechanism for trauma, stress, and the constant adrenaline rush of the job. When alcohol moves from the sidelines to center stage, the impact ripples far beyond the individual. It affects families, marriages, and entire departments. 

Joe Rizzuti, retired police officer and founder of First Responder Wellness of Merrimack Valley, shared that alcohol was once deeply tied to his identity. He admitted, “If alcohol came to the table today, it would not be legal. We know the damage it does.” Joe has now been in recovery for over 13 years, and his story reflects a growing recognition that alcohol misuse in law enforcement is more than a personal issue; it’s a cultural one.