Associations Between Police Stress and Alcohol Use: Implications for Practice

Abstract

Law enforcement officers are often reported to frequently abuse alcohol due to occupational stress. However, few studies have examined alcohol use among U.S. police officers. This study investigated the prevalence of alcohol use and the relation between alcohol use and amount of subjective work-related traumatic distress, work-related but nontraumatic stress, personal relationship stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and age among law enforcement officers (N = 193) working in a midwestern state. Multiple regression analyses showed that greater subjective posttraumatic distress and PTSD avoidance symptoms were the most significant predictors of greater alcohol use among officers. Implications for practice are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• alcohol
• depression
• police
• PTSD
• stress
• traumatic

Notes

Note. AUDIT = Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; PCL-S = Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Specific; PHQ-9 = Patient Health Questionnaire.

Note. AUDIT = Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; PCL-S = Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Specific.

*p < .05; **p < .01.

Note. AUDIT = Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; PCL-S = Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Specific.

*p < .05.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brian A. Chopko

Brian A. Chopko is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Kent State University at Stark. He received his PhD in Counselor Education from The University of Akron, is a deputy sheriff (special commission), and specializes in mental health issues related to the criminal justice system.

Patrick A. Palmieri

Patrick A. Palmieri is a researcher and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in PTSD and other trauma-related psychopathology. He is the director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress at Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio.

Richard E. Adams

Richard E. Adams is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Kent State University. His main research interests are in the areas of mental health, trauma, and community disasters. He is currently investigating the impact of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks of September 11 on the physical and mental health of people living in New York City. He is also interested in the role of neighborhoods in positive youth development and the transition to young adulthood.