Why Police Officers Face a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crisis

In his TEDx Talk, “Why Successful Police Reform Must Start in the Therapist’s Office,” former officer John Monaghan recalls his first arrest. After proudly detaining a domestic abuser, his sergeant remarked, “Good job, Dick Tracy, but it doesn’t sound like rocket science to me.” The message was clear: catching criminals was routine work, and Monaghan was good at it. But years later, he faced PTSD and substance abuse—struggles far too common among law enforcement.

Police officers die by suicide two to three times more often than in the line of duty. “The silence and the bravado around this is literally killing us,” Monaghan says. Many carry invisible burdens long after retirement. “When you retire, you hand in your gun and badge, but that backpack with pebbles that now feel like boulders—you take that with you.”

The Statistics: A Troubling Picture

Research from “The Price They Pay” by Karen Rodwill Solomon and Jeffrey M. McGill reveals alarming rates of alcohol and substance abuse among officers: 23% compared to 8.2% in the general population. Exposure to violence raises the risk of PTSD, and the combination of PTSD and substance abuse increases suicide risk tenfold.

• 20–30% of officers have a substance abuse problem. With over 700,000 U.S. officers, this means many are struggling privately.
• 17% report adverse effects from alcohol use, with similar rates among men and women.
• 40% admitted to drinking on duty in one survey.
• Binge drinking is more frequent among officers than the general public.
• 1 in 4 officers has considered suicide—a rate four times higher than among firefighters.
• 7–19% show PTSD symptoms, compared to 3.5% of the general population.

Why Policing Takes Such a Heavy Toll

Officers confront “man-made” violence directly. While natural disasters cause widespread damage, human-inflicted trauma leaves deeper psychological scars. Police face this darkness daily, often without healthy outlets for stress.

In many departments, seeking help is discouraged, while drinking becomes normalized. Grueling hours, sleep deprivation, and constant exposure to trauma create a cycle where stress leads to mental health issues and substance use, which in turn become additional stressors.

Officer Joe Peterson described the effect: “You fight monsters for so long that you become a monster. And I became a monster.”

PTSD: The Ghosts of the Job

Violent encounters leave officers asking, “Why did it happen?” Over time, these questions weigh heavily. Many downplay PTSD symptoms, worsening their condition. While “post-traumatic growth” is possible, it requires support and treatment—often lacking in police culture.

Police Culture: Drinking and Silence

Drinking is often central to police social life, reinforcing camaraderie but also enabling unhealthy coping. Many officers view mental health care as a sign of weakness, fearing career repercussions.

One officer shared, “It is a career stopper [seeing a psychologist]. I recognize it could be detrimental to your career.” Another worried about being deemed “unfit for duty.” This stigma prevents many from seeking help that could save their careers—and lives.

Special Challenges for Women

Women in policing face added pressure to prove themselves. One female officer explained, “If I ever said I was going to see a psychologist, it would make it worse… I have to be strong to show I can cut the mustard.”

Female officers binge drink at rates similar to male colleagues—unlike the general population, where women drink less. This is partly due to adopting “male officer norms.” Since women metabolize alcohol differently, this poses greater health risks, creating a double bind: drinking to fit in, but fearing judgment for seeking help.

Strategies for Change

The International Association of Chiefs of Police recommends several approaches to improve officer well-being and public safety.

• Change Police Culture: Normalize mental health check-ups. Supervisors should be trained to recognize struggling officers and encourage care. Replace drinking-centered social events with sober alternatives like sports or family gatherings.
• Promote Conversation: Implement critical incident debriefings, allowing officers to process trauma together, similar to warriors sharing stories around a campfire.
• Support Families: Include officers’ families in support systems, as they also bear the emotional weight of the job.

Conclusion

As Solomon and McGill note, “Society needs heroes, but most police don’t want to become heroes; they want to be men and women doing their jobs. They want to be supported and understood.”

Understanding and support must start within. Healthier public servants lead to healthier communities. If you’re struggling, Quitemate is here to help. Join our supportive community in the 24/7 Forum to share experiences and find encouragement.