108: From Hard Charging to Hard Drinking: Alcoholism, Treatment and Recovery with Sgt. Joey Rafferty

Over 27 years, Sgt. Joey Rafferty had every dream job that a hard charging cop would want in a county that requires hard charges. Wedged between Philadelphia and Trenton, NJ, Joey had plenty of action to keep him in the game. It wasn't until he crashed a patrol car with his kids in the backseat and got arrested for DUI that he finally admitted he had a problem.  Sometimes, when you work hard you play hard too and Joey started to play hard often. In this episode you will learn:  The red flags that Joey missed. Why his partners knew he had a problem but wouldn't say anything.  How he asked for help. Coping mechanisms he uses now instead of alcohol.  How a relapse helped his sobriety.  Even if you don't drink, there are important lessons here about the warning signs that got missed, ignored, or explained-away.  We owe it to each other to confront alcohol or drug problems in ourselves and others. Not only could we save a career but we could potentially save a life.  If you think you or a partner have a substance abuse problem, here are a few resources for first responders. Also, check with your department's EAP program or your health insurance provider.  Alcohol.org - Tons of information, resources and treatment options specific to first responders dealing with substance abuse.  CopLine - 24/7 Peer support and crisis intervention. Website has resources and information. Call 1-800-267-5463 Safe Call Now - 24/7 Crisis Intervention and Treatment Referral for First Responders. 206-459-3020 If you want to support the show, click here before you shop on Amazon.  Get discounts on tactical equipment, audio books, Ranger Up Clothing and more! Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts Click here to listen on Google Play Click here to listen on Spotify Click here to listen on Stitcher Click here to listen on TuneIn Click here for the RSS Feed  Click here for more Android Options   ****** This episode is sponsored by ProForce. ProForce is the largest firearms distributor on the West Coast. ProForce works with some of the largest agencies in the country to help them replace their aging firearms with modern equipment. They also have two retail locations in Brea, CA and Prescott, AZ that service first responders selling everything they need to hit the streets.