[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Whether you or someone you love fights fires or responds to medical emergencies, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of alcoholism. It’s no secret that fire fighters and paramedics work in high-stress occupations. Emergency response work comes with its share of rewards and triumphs, but the horrific trauma witnessed on the job can also lead some to use drugs or alcohol to cope.
While some signs of alcohol abuse are obvious, others are more subtle. If you begin to recognize these warning signs in yourself or others, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible:
- An inability to control the amount of alcohol you consume
- Persistent or unsuccessful attempts to cut down on alcohol consumption
- Making drinking a priority over other responsibilities, including work and family
- Spending a significant amount of time drinking, buying alcohol or recovering from alcohol use
- Failing to fulfill major obligations at home, school or work because of alcohol use
- Feeling strong cravings to drink alcohol
- Experiencing extreme mood swings and irritability
- Using alcohol in situations where it is unsafe, including while driving, working or operating powerful equipment
- Hiding your alcohol use from others
While any of these behaviors can put a person’s life or relationships at risk, one the most dangerous and potentially deadly signs of alcohol addiction is withdrawal. After drinking alcohol heavily for weeks, months or even years, the body begins to adjust to its presence. Once alcohol is removed from a person’s system entirely, they can develop a number of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms (many of which can be life-threatening), including:
- Anxiety
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of alcohol addiction, professionals at the IAFF Center of Excellence are here to help. Our staff of clinicians, therapists and IAFF members understand your struggle and can provide you with medically assisted detox and evidence-based treatments that get you back to the work and people you love. Reach out to our alcohol hotline today for more information.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]