Breaking the Code of Silence: Why First Responders Avoid AA and the Myths That Keep Them Sick
By Sheamus Moran, CSC-AD First Responder Therapist In association with The National Law Enforcement & First Responders Wellness Center at Harbor of Grace
Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs have helped millions of people achieve and maintain sobriety since 1935. These mutual support groups offer a proven framework for recovery, built on principles of honesty, accountability, and peer support. Yet first responders—police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel—often resist participating in these programs, despite having substance use disorder rates significantly higher than the general population.
The reluctance isn't due to a lack of need. Studies consistently show that first responders experience alcohol use disorders at rates 25% higher than other professions, with some departments reporting that up to 50% of their personnel engage in binge drinking. The real barriers are psychological and cultural, rooted in misconceptions that prevent first responders from accessing one of the most effective recovery resources available.
As someone who has worked extensively with first responders in recovery, I've heard these self-defeating myths countless times. Today, we're going to confront these lies head-on and reveal the truth that could save careers, relationships, and lives.
Myth #1: "I Can't Trust Civilians with My Story—They Won't Understand"
The Lie: First responders often tell themselves that sharing their experiences in a room full of "regular people" is pointless because civilians can't comprehend the unique stresses and traumas of their profession. They convince themselves that their drinking problems are fundamentally different because of what they've seen and experienced on the job.
The Truth: Addiction is addiction, regardless of your profession. While the triggers and circumstances may vary, the core disease affects the brain the same way whether you're a police officer, construction worker, teacher, or accountant. The obsession, compulsion, and loss of control are universal experiences that transcend job titles.
More importantly, AA meetings are filled with people from all walks of life who have experienced their own versions of trauma, stress, and pain. You'll find veterans who've seen combat, healthcare workers who've lost patients, parents who've buried children, and countless others who understand suffering on a profound level. The human experience of pain, loss, and the desire to numb that pain with alcohol creates a common bond that runs deeper than professional differences.
Many first responders are surprised to discover that some of the most insightful and supportive people in their meetings have never worn a badge or carried a radio. Recovery wisdom comes from experience with addiction, not from job experience. The person who's been sober for 10 years and works in retail may have exactly the perspective you need to hear.
Myth #2: "If Word Gets Out, My Career Is Over"
The Lie: First responders frequently avoid AA because they fear that attending meetings will somehow become known to their supervisors, leading to disciplinary action, fitness-for-duty evaluations, or termination. They imagine their careers crumbling because someone saw them at a meeting or heard them share their story.
The Truth: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous, not just a suggestion. The program's traditions explicitly protect members' identities, and breaking someone's anonymity is considered one of the most serious violations of AA principles. Members understand that respecting anonymity isn't just about privacy—it's about life and death.
Furthermore, seeking help for substance use disorders through AA demonstrates responsibility and self-awareness, qualities that employers value. Many departments now recognize that supporting employees in recovery is far more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of active addiction: missed work, poor performance, accidents, and liability issues.
While policies vary by agency, the trend is increasingly toward supporting officers who voluntarily seek treatment rather than punishing them. Many departments now have peer support programs and Employee Assistance Programs specifically designed to help personnel get the help they need without fear of career consequences.
The real career killer isn't going to AA—it's continuing to drink. Active addiction inevitably leads to poor decision-making, compromised judgment, and behaviors that truly do threaten careers and public safety.
Myth #3: "I Don't Have Time for Meetings with My Shift Schedule"
The Lie: First responders often convince themselves that their irregular schedules, rotating shifts, and unpredictable overtime make it impossible to attend regular AA meetings. They use their demanding work schedule as a convenient excuse to avoid the discomfort of facing their addiction.
The Truth: AA meetings happen virtually around the clock in most communities. There are early morning meetings for night shift workers, noon meetings for those on day shifts, and late-night meetings for evening shift personnel. Many communities offer meetings specifically for first responders and other shift workers.
With the advent of online meetings, particularly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, accessibility has increased exponentially. You can now attend meetings from your car during a break, from home before your family wakes up, or from anywhere with an internet connection. There are 24/7 online meetings available, making it possible to find recovery support regardless of your schedule.
The schedule excuse often masks a deeper fear: the fear of commitment and accountability that comes with regular meeting attendance. When we make our schedule the problem, we avoid confronting the real issue—our unwillingness to prioritize our recovery over our comfort zone.
Many first responders in recovery report that attending meetings actually helps them manage their demanding schedules better. The structure, routine, and accountability of regular meeting attendance often carries over into better time management and life balance overall.
Myth #4: "The God Stuff Doesn't Work for Me—I'm Not Religious"
The Lie: Many first responders reject AA because they perceive it as overly religious or because they consider themselves atheist or agnostic. They assume that the program's references to God and Higher Power mean they won't fit in or won't be able to work the program effectively.
The Truth: AA is a spiritual program, not a religious one, and there's a crucial difference. The program explicitly states that members can choose their own conception of a Higher Power, and many successful AA members are atheist, agnostic, or follow non-traditional spiritual paths.
Your Higher Power can be the group itself, the power of human connection, the universe, nature, or even just the recognition that something greater than your individual will is needed to overcome addiction. Many first responders find that their Higher Power becomes their commitment to service, their love for their family, or their dedication to protecting others.
AA's spiritual principles—honesty, open-mindedness, willingness, and service to others—align perfectly with the values that drew most people to first responder work in the first place. The program asks you to help others, take responsibility for your actions, and commit to principles larger than yourself. These concepts should feel familiar to anyone who has taken an oath to serve and protect.
There are also secular recovery meetings and agnostic AA groups available in many communities for those who prefer a less spiritually-oriented approach while still utilizing the proven framework of the 12 steps.
Myth #5: "I Don't Want to Sit Around and Listen to People Whine About Their Problems"
The Lie: First responders sometimes resist AA because they view it as a gathering of people wallowing in self-pity or making excuses for their behavior. They imagine sitting through meetings where people complain about their lives without taking action, which conflicts with their problem-solving, action-oriented mentality.
The Truth: This misconception reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what actually happens in AA meetings. While members do share their experiences, the focus is on solutions, not problems. People share their stories not to complain, but to demonstrate how they've overcome similar challenges and to offer hope to others who are struggling.
AA meetings are action-oriented environments focused on practical solutions for staying sober. Members discuss specific strategies, share what works, hold each other accountable, and provide concrete support for daily challenges. The sharing is purposeful and solution-focused, designed to help people build the tools they need for successful recovery.
Moreover, the discipline and structure of working the 12 steps appeals to the systematic, procedural thinking that many first responders appreciate. The program provides a clear framework with specific actions and measurable progress—much like the protocols and procedures that first responders follow in their professional lives.
Many first responders discover that the problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to helping others that serve them well in their careers translate directly into success in recovery. The same qualities that make someone an effective police officer, firefighter, or paramedic often make them effective sponsors and recovery role models.
The Reality: What First Responders Actually Find in AA
When first responders overcome these myths and give AA a genuine chance, they often discover something unexpected: a community of people who understand accountability, service, and the weight of responsibility. They find individuals who, like them, have made life-and-death decisions and carry the burden of protecting others.
Many first responders become some of the strongest advocates for AA because they recognize that the program's emphasis on honesty, accountability, and service aligns perfectly with their professional values. They discover that the courage required to work the steps is the same courage they demonstrate every day on the job.
Special Considerations: First Responder-Specific Meetings
While general AA meetings can be incredibly beneficial, many communities now offer meetings specifically for first responders. These specialized groups provide:
Understanding of shift work and job-related stressors
Shared experiences with trauma and critical incidents
Familiarity with department culture and pressures
Enhanced confidentiality within the first responder community
Networking with others who balance recovery and high-stress careers
These meetings aren't separate because first responders are different or special—they exist because shared professional experiences can enhance the recovery process and reduce the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.
Taking the First Step
If you're a first responder struggling with alcohol or substance use, these myths have likely contributed to your reluctance to seek help through AA. It's time to confront the reality that your addiction is not unique, your career concerns are manageable, and your recovery is possible.
The same qualities that made you choose a career in service—courage, dedication, and a willingness to help others—are exactly what you need to succeed in recovery. The question isn't whether you're strong enough to get sober; it's whether you're brave enough to ask for help.
Getting Started
Look for meetings in your area using online meeting finders
Consider starting with online meetings for additional anonymity
Look for first responder-specific meetings if available
Ask trusted colleagues who are in recovery for recommendations
Contact your Employee Assistance Program for guidance
Remember that you can attend meetings just to listen—no pressure to share
Conclusion
The myths that keep first responders away from AA are powerful, but they're still just myths. Behind each excuse is usually fear—fear of vulnerability, fear of change, fear of judgment, and fear of losing control. But the reality is that addiction has already taken control, and recovery through programs like AA offers a path to getting your life back.
Your badge, uniform, or radio doesn't make you immune to addiction, but it also doesn't disqualify you from recovery. The same commitment to service that defines your career can become the foundation of a strong recovery program. The choice is yours: continue believing the myths that keep you sick, or find the courage to discover the truth that can set you free.
Recovery is possible, help is available, and you don't have to face this alone. The room is waiting for you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available. Contact The National Law Enforcement & First Responders Wellness Center at Harbor of Grace for confidential support and resources.
Recovery Resources:
Alcoholics Anonymous: www.aa.org
First Responder Support Unit: www.frsn.org
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
