RESCU (Resilience, Empowerment, Safety, and Care for our Uniformed Heroes) is our confidential addiction treatment program for active military, veterans, and first responders. Whether you’re an active or former law enforcement officer, firefighter, corrections officer, EMT, paramedic, active-duty member of the military, or a veteran, if you’re struggling with addiction, we can help.
Our Program
Recovery Center of America's RESCU
Our military and first responder addiction treatment program is designed to address and assist with profession-related obstacles you may be facing so you can gain lasting recovery from substances. Since anonymity is critical for you to be able to focus on your treatment and recovery, we are committed to your privacy. You will be immersed in a tight-knit community of fellow first responders and military service members and recover alongside individuals who share similar life and professional experiences. Get help now—call 833-RCARSCU.
RCA's RESCU Locations
Our first responder addiction treatment is offered at the following locations:
- New Jersey – Raritan Bay
- Massachusetts – Westminster
- Pennsylvania – Devon
- Maryland – Bracebridge Hall*
*RESCU for active-duty service members and veterans available exclusively at our Bracebridge Hall location
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and is a first responder or military member, please reach out to us for help, and we can help find a RESCU location near you.
The Importance of Addiction Treatment for First Responders
While in RESCU, you will be with other first responders who are also committed to overcoming addiction and achieving lasting recovery. Expert addiction treatment staff will help you address profession-related issues that impact your recovery from addiction, such as:
- Work-related traumatic events.
- Guilt about breaking public trust or disappointing your co-workers.
- Fear of losing your job, pay, or benefits and returning to duty.
- Drinking culture.
- Difficulty asking for help and the warrior ethos.
- Mistrust in mental health professionals.
If you are a first responder or a military member struggling with addiction, it is important to seek treatment specifically designed for your needs and experiences. Our RESCU program offers a safe and understanding environment for you to address these issues and work toward lasting recovery.
RCA RESCU at Bracebridge Hall
Benefits of our RESCU addiction treatment program for active-duty members of the military and veterans include:
- Dedicated primary therapists – An expert team who are specifically trained on military culture, treating SUD among the U.S. military, and issues facing first responders.
- Disclosure options – Patients decide on a disclosed or non-disclosed approach. If disclosed, all command structure requirements will be strictly followed.
- Tailored curriculum – Our program is an evidence-based, present-focused therapy model, emphasizing the interconnectedness of trauma and substance use and focusing on coping skills, safety strategies, and developing healthy relationships.
- Boarding and patient interaction options – We maintain a separate unit in our facility with separate programming, but also offer the option to participate in group sessions with other RCA patients as appropriate.
- Medication for addiction treatment – MAT may be a component of our comprehensive care program to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse, but always discussed with patients and their commands prior to initiating.
- Military rank discretion – Patients choose if they wish for their rank to be disclosed within the community. We will only include rank if this was indicated as a preference.
By following a structure routine and schedule, patients will establish a solid foundation for recovery, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience—leading to a life of long-term sobriety and successful reintegration into their professional and personal lives.
What to Expect in Our RESCU Program at Bracebridge Hall
A Reveille & Retreat flag ceremony symbolizing your commitment and providing a sense of pride, strength, and tradition.
Morning and evening muster groups to welcome new patients, congratulate those discharging, review expectations, address concerns, and set daily goals.
Physical training sessions built to enhance physical fitness, resilience, and teamwork, while also supporting your mental and emotional well-being.
Fresh air breaks for those who smoke or vape. Those who choose not to smoke should be allowed free time during these breaks.
We accept Tricare and most other commercial insurance programs.
RCA RESCU at MA, NJ, and PA Locations
The RESCU curriculum aims to help individuals recover from addiction, rebuild trust, and regain confidence. It’s a tailored and tested approach to first responder addiction treatment. Examples of our core curriculum include:
First Responder Group Therapy
The RESCU curriculum aims to help individuals recover from addiction, rebuild trust, and regain confidence. It’s a tailored and tested approach to first responder addiction treatment. Examples of our core curriculum include:
First Responder Clinical Psychoeducation
You will learn how to address your profession's unique cultural challenges and workplace pressures. Run by credentialed clinicians with years of experience working with first responders, this course is designed to effectively remove work-related psychological barriers to achieving recovery from addiction and maximize the power of the first responder culture of camaraderie.
Return to Work Strategies
We will help you address the anxiety related to returning to duty after treatment, as well as guide you on how to rebuild trust and work relationships. You will leave treatment with efficient tools to make a successful return to work. If you need to facilitate communications with your job, your union representatives, command staff, or an employee assistance program, we will help. However, if you do not want workplace involvement, that decision will be honored without question.
Trauma Treatment
Most first responders are exposed to traumatic events and images during their careers. PTSD is common. Addressing trauma and its impact on addiction is a critical facet of the RESCU curriculum. We will help you resolve your trauma so you can overcome your addiction.
Other Types of Treatment in Our RESCU Program
Through RESCU, you will be treated with proven treatment approaches that have already helped countless others gain freedom from addiction and live their best life, such as:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CBT realigns your views on yourself and the world, prompting healthier thoughts and behaviors, thereby improving your emotional flexibility and overall well-being.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT informed skills training in group therapy to teach skills that help manage cravings, deal with withdrawal, reduce anxiety and more.
You will also have access to a range of amenities and services to build your physical, mental, and emotional strength while in treatment. These may include:
- Gym time and fitness instruction.
- Opportunities to help others through community involvement.
- Connections and sober events with those you met in treatment through the RCA Alumni Association.
- Family involvement and support.
- Robust aftercare planning and a seamless transition to outpatient programs for continued recovery support, available both in-person and virtually.
RESCU sets up our patients for lasting recovery by treating addiction and all underlying issues, including job-related stressors. We are committed to helping you achieve long-term success in your personal life and career. Get help now. Call Call 833-RCARSCU today for more information on our first responder addiction treatment program.
How We Support Families of First Responders
Recovery Centers of America offers family services and programming specifically tailored to support the families of our first responders and military members who are impacted by addiction. We offer support through our monthly educational webinars for families.
Supporting the families of our first responders is critical to successful recovery. We understand that addiction affects not only the individual struggling but also their loved ones. That’s why we offer resources and support for family members to help them navigate this challenging journey alongside their loved ones.
Attend Our First Responder-Only 12-Step Meetings
If you are a member of the first responder community and would like an invitation to join the meeting, please email [email protected]. Call 833-RCARSCU to get started.
