Firefighters brave fierce flames in order to accomplish their mission: save the lives of those who are in danger. This pressure to act flawlessly with each call along with the constant need to be ready for anything could wear down even the toughest person. Combined with a need to appear tough, several firefighters might turn to alcohol or drugs to remain calm.

This can lead to substance abuse, alcohol abuse, or development of PTSD as a result of the trauma. For families and friends, this can also be painful to watch. In order to avoid further damage, it’s important to be aware of any of the damaging signs that could point to PTSD or addiction.

In order to provide the best treatment possible, we only accept those who suffer from addiction by itself or in conjunction with psychological disorders such as PTSD.

Why Are Firefighters At Risk Of Substance Abuse Or PTSD?

The risk of post-traumatic stress can be caused by one significant occurrence, or a series of multiple events. These could include encountering fatal car wrecks, responding to calls to rescue civilians from burning buildings, or losing a brother or sister in the line of duty. Those who endure multiple traumatic events such as these are often at greater risk to experience some signs of PTSD.

To cope with the feelings of PTSD or high work-related pressure often turn to alcohol, prescription drugs, or other illicit substances. Using these substances as a coping mechanism can lead to serious substance abuse in a short amount of time and could require addiction treatment.

There is also a stigma that firefighters face to remain tough in all situations. Being human and allowing for time to cope with a particularly rough experience is not a sign of weakness. However, many might feel the need to use alcohol or drugs to hide their emotional distress and avoid being alienated by their peers. This ultimately results in addiction or substance abuse.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD / Addiction To Look For

While firefighters work together as a unit, some signs could go unnoticed until they’re too late. Some of these symptoms are fairly normal after a traumatic event but others become concerning when they continue for long periods of time.

Abusing drugs or alcohol

Alcohol and drug usage is common in today’s society, but abusing them in an attempt to cope with traumatic memories is a warning sign that could turn into addiction. This is a fairly common occurrence for firefighters who have PTSD, and can often lead to severe cases of withdrawal or regular binges that can lead to destructive behavior.

Constant feelings of unrest

While families and friends might not see their loved ones due to their hectic schedules, some might notice a deep feeling of unrest when they do come home. This can include having difficulty falling asleep and vividly recalling traumatizing memories, resulting in the need to use alcohol or drugs to fall asleep.

Inability to express happiness

Those who have PTSD or are addicted to a substance such as cocaine, heroine, or prescription drugs/opiods often find themselves losing pleasure in everyday activities. This can cause them to become inexpressive, avoid activities that once made them happy, or even isolate themselves from others to avoid raising suspicion.

Change in mood

A large change in the way they act or behave is a warning sign to watch for since it could suggest that they are facing traumatic memories. This can often lead to them acting aggressively, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or simply being much more irritable when talking about others.

Acting violently

Some firefighters might begin to start displaying actions that increase their risk of getting hurt or sustaining life threatening injuries. This can also cause them to lash out against others in the form of abuse, assault, or verbal intimidation.

Threats to self-harm or commit suicide

When a firefighter threatens to take their life or cause harm to themselves or others this should not be taken lightly. If a loved one has threatened to do so call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate assistance.

Reclaim Your Life (844) 448-2567

TREATMENT PROGRAMS OFFERED AT WARRIORS HEART

Warriors Heart - Addiction and PTSD Treatment

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Warriors Heart can provide private treatment program for adults men and women warriors seeking relief from substance abuse, chemical dependencies, various psychological conditions which might have developed related to job stress. Co-occurring psychological disorders we treat include PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), MTBI (mild traumatic brain injury) and others.

Warriors Heart - Addiction and PTSD Treatment - Outpatient Treatment

RESIDENTIAL INPATIENT TREATMENT

At Warriors Heart, our main program is the most effective at treating the symptoms that your loved one might be going through. It consists of a 6 to 8 week program. By being under our care, they will be able to benefit from the company of others, receive personalized treatment, and focus on healing away from others. There is a minimum of 42 days for this program to ensure the optimal care and treatment.

Warriors Heart - Addiction and PTSD Treatment - Detox Treatment

DETOX

Our Warriors Heart Detox facility offers safe and comfortable drug and alcohol detoxification for all warriors. We’re fully staffed with licensed and experienced addiction specialists who will provide personalized monitoring and manage withdrawal symptoms around-the-clock. Each individual detox program is designed to provide the highest quality of treatment to ensure overall wellness and recovery. A fully staffed sub-acute drug or and alcohol detox facility with around the clock monitoring.

Warriors Heart - Addiction and PTSD Treatment - Lodge Treament

SOBER LIVING

60 day minimum program that helps continue a sober life after treatment. It’s recommended that your loved one attend a long term sober living program upon completion of their treatment or if they wish to live a sober lifestyle. This program provides them with the information they need to understand alcohol and drugs and their harmful effects, the benefits of being sober, and how to live their life after addiction through counseling sessions.

Warriors Heart - Addiction and PTSD Treatment - Lodge Treament

OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

Our primary focus is in providing a smooth transition for your loved one after their 42 day inpatient treatment. In order to provide a stronger chance of success for long term sobriety, our outpatient program provides 1-on-1 counseling. By doing this, we’re able to provide tailored treatment once a week where a family member or partner can join to assist in the healing. At least 1 session a week of individual counseling/therapy.

Warriors Heart - Addiction and PTSD Treatment - Mert Treatment

BRAIN TREATMENT (MeRT)

MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (also known as MeRT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses a combination of magnetic and electrical stimulation to improve brain function. MeRT has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with a range of neurological and psychological conditions.

Treatments We Offer

Our main program consists of 6 to 8 weeks of treatment which allows for proper time to treat the issues that could be causing problems. We also offer an outpatient program which is shorter, but is tailored to treat a variety of symptoms including moral injury.

Warriors Heart accepts a wide variety of insurance including BlueCross, Aetna, Cigna, among many others.

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Healing and Comfort at Warriors Heart

Located on a beautiful, private ranch just outside of San Antonio, TX, the Warriors Heart treatment center provides firefighters with a beautiful area to heal. Within our center you will find a home-like environment alongside fishing ponds, recreational areas, suite-styled rooms, and a large variety of areas to reflect. There are also a multitude of delicious meals cooked by our private chef as well as wild game to hunt. They will not feel alone and they will be able to interact with others during their recovery in a home environment.

Our extensive facility offers an opportunity for firefighters to find a place with a close brotherhood of warriors who have gone through similar situations. This also allows for several opportunities for them to be one with nature in an environment that distances itself from the hospital setting that is common in other facilities. We pride ourselves in having designed a treatment center that allows for your loved one to heal with respect and pride.

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Amenities

  • Basketball Courts
  • Swimming Pool
  • Fitness center
  • Recreation room
  • Jujitsu
  • Yoga
  • Volleyball
  • K9
  • Shops
  • Art
  • Offsite non-denomination church
Warriors Heart Reception - Warriors Heart is an addiction and PTSD treatment center for active military, veterans, and first responders. Contact us today at (844) 448-2567.
Warriors Heart Room View - Warriors Heart is an addiction and PTSD treatment center for active military, veterans, and first responders. Contact us today at (844) 448-2567.
pecan cabin
Warriors Heart Hall - Warriors Heart is an addiction and PTSD treatment center for active military, veterans, and first responders. Contact us today at (844) 448-2567.
cabin common area
poolside patio
Warriors Heart Smoke Pit - Warriors Heart is an addiction and PTSD treatment center for active military, veterans, and first responders. Contact us today at (844) 448-2567.

I have become the person I am supposed to be here, I have renewed my life and have a fresh start.

– Dallas, Firefighter

What Other Warriors Are Saying

Resources

What To Expect

Upon arriving to Warriors Heart, your loved one will be greeted by our team and welcomed warmly. They will then receive a tour of the facility to become familiar with the surroundings and see what we have to offer before their treatment begins.

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How To Pay For Treatment

Our focus is on healing warriors and we work to ensure that paying for treatment is easy. There are multiple ways to pay including through an insurance provider, paying privately, and much more. We’ll be able to assist you in finding the best option for your situation.

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What To Bring

In order to properly provide treatment, we have compiled a simple list of items that warriors can bring to our facility. These items include appropriate clothing, any necessary medications, and basic paperwork.

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The battle against addiction and PTSD starts today.
(844) 448-2567