RESCU
Recovering Emergency Service Community United (RESCU) is our confidential addiction treatment program for first responders and military members. Whether you’re an active or former law enforcement officer, firefighter, corrections officer, EMT, paramedic, or military member, if you’re struggling with addiction, we can help.
Introduction to RESCU
Recovery Centers of America's RESCU
Our 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.
Recovery Centers of America'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 and Capital Region
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.
Receive Customized Addiction Treatment with RESCU
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
While in the RESCU program, you will join daily group therapy sessions exclusive to law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, emergency medical personnel, and military members. Groups with other first responders will allow you to discuss issues relating to your profession and addiction more freely and gain valuable feedback. Your group will be facilitated by a licensed clinician trained in both addiction treatment and the special issues involved with first responder professions.
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
Patients will have individual therapy sessions with their assigned therapist, focusing on developing coping skills, addressing underlying issues, and creating a personalized treatment plan for lasting recovery.
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.
We're Here For You
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.
Other Types of Treatment in Our First Responders' Addiction Treatment
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
We include DBT skills training in group therapy to teach skills that help manage cravings, deal with withdrawal, reduce anxiety and more.
RESCU Amenities
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 1-800-RECOVERY 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.
- Monthly badges to recovery events.
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
Meetings are hosted virtually on Wednesdays at 9:30. These are closed meetings only for law enforcement, firefighters, corrections, emergency medical personnel, and military members. If you are a member of the first responder community and would like an invitation to join the meeting, please email [email protected].
