Articles

Why it’s hard to stop substances on your own, and what happens in your brain when you try
Quitting drugs or alcohol is not as simple as just deciding to stop. Many people attempt to quit on their own, without support or treatment, only to find themselves falling back into old patterns. .

First responders are wired to run toward chaos, while watching others’ run away. Firefighters, police officers, EMS, and dispatchers all carry the weight of responsibility that comes with those split-second decisions..

The first weekend of September, the GRIT campus wasn't quiet. The place was alive — kids running, barbecue smoke in the air, people swapping stories like they'd known each other for years. It wasn't just a cookout. It was proof that when you put first responders, veterans, and their families in the same space, something real happens..

At GRIT, we often say that recovery is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. For Steve H., a former SWAT officer and K9 handler, that chapter has been defined by courage, connection, and a commitment to helping others walk the same path he’s on.

The smell of hickory-smoked pork drifts through the open kitchen at Magnolia Meadows, carrying with it the warmth of a place where healing feels tangible. Behind the counter, moving with a precision that speaks to years of discipline, is Andy—a U.S. Marine turned Executive Chef. .

They say trauma and substance abuse go hand-in-hand. As a retired police Sergeant, I have had my fair share of both. But the reality is, long before I responded to my first gruesome car accident, the first completed suicide call, or my first brush with my own possible death I was an alcoholic. .

In my time working with first responders, I’ve seen firsthand the invisible weight they carry. The uniform, the badge, the gear they’re symbols of bravery and service, but they also hide the personal toll this work takes.

In this line of work, courage is never in short supply — but when it comes to asking for help, even the bravest can hesitate. These are people who are wired to run toward the problem, to be the steady one in chaos, to hold it together no matter what. The idea of stepping back to take care of themselves often feels..

First responders—including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and dispatchers—serve on the front lines of human suffering. Their daily exposure to traumatic events, critical incidents, and high-stress situations places them at a significantly higher risk for developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring substance use disorders compared to the general population..

Finding the right residential treatment center for yourself or a loved one isn’t just about choosing a place, it’s about choosing a path to healing. For first responders and military personnel struggling with PTSD, substance use.