What makes Professionals Different in Regards to Addiction?
First Responders (Firefighters, law enforcement officers & emergency medical personnel), for instance, witness crime, suffering and maltreatment, often involving unspeakable acts against society’s most vulnerable members.
The emotional roller coaster that comes with this line of work can be quite a burden for first responders. Some might frequently join peers for drinks to wind down after a harrowing shift. For some, this can easily become a slippery slope to dependence on alcohol to numb the pain and relieve work-related stressors.
Angel investors know there’s a chance that the money they put up to help an individual start or grow a business won’t result in a profit. The optimistic angel investor who continues helping aspiring business owners without a return on their investment might find themselves overwhelmed and needing a way to deal with their losses. When drinking or drug use becomes a coping mechanism, angel investors may spiral out of control.
Veterans may no longer have the support of colleagues who understand the mental burden and anguish. Veterans often suffer from post-traumatic stress and have difficulty adjusting to civilian life, so they may seek relief by drinking, leading to alcohol abuse. Pain from injuries sustained in combat can also put veterans at risk for drug abuse.
