NCJ Number
81561
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This training guide for police discusses alcoholism in relation to the alcoholic police officer and how police department alcoholism programs can provide assistance and support to officers with a drinking problem.
Abstract
The first step in alcoholism treatment requires alcoholics to recognize that they have a drinking problem and that rationalizations will not help resolve the situation. A realization that alcoholism, rather than certain aspects of their professional or personal lives, is the main problem must occur before officers can begin a successful rehabilitative process. Two common ways in which many alcoholics are made to confront their problem are group crisis intervention and employee assistance programs (EAP). The first step in the rehabilitation proces of alcoholics is detoxification, a 3- to 5-day period during which the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Following detoxification, alcoholics should enter a rehabilitation program for several weeks to assist them in recovery from the disease. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is helpful to many recovering alcoholics. AA's program is based on The Twelve Steps, which provide a philosophical basis for the organization, and on the idea of personal responsibility. The training guide also discusses the format of effective police departmental programs, which are characterized by the complete support of the chief and his administration, mandatory participation of officers identified as having a drinking problem, voluntary referral, and confidentiality of program records. A discussion guide is supplied.