Finding Recovery Through Employee Assistance Programs

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Finding Recovery Through Employee Assistance Programs

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Hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore the human side of public safety in this moving episode of Beyond Substance. Brandon Dreiman, a retired Indianapolis firefighter and wellness coach, shares how peer support and employee assistance programs are breaking barriers to care for first responders. Jerry Richard, a veteran firefighter, opens up about his decades-long struggle with alcohol use, the toll it took on his life, and how recovery helped him reclaim purpose and connection. Together, their stories illuminate the vital role of lived experience, trauma-informed care, and trust-based support systems in healing public servants on the front lines.

Segment 1: Professional Interview Summary
Dean speaks with Brandon Dreiman, a 23-year veteran of the Indianapolis Fire Department and former wellness coordinator, now a recovery coach at Pro Team Wellness. Brandon outlines how peer support systems and employee assistance programs (EAPs) work—especially those tailored to public safety. He emphasizes the unique challenges first responders face, including elevated rates of PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Brandon shares data showing one in three firefighters may have diagnosable AUD, yet stigma and job culture still keep many from seeking help. Through first-hand insights, Brandon breaks down how trust, confidentiality, and peer-led connections can help bridge the gap between suffering and recovery.

Segment 2: Personal Story Summary
Jodi introduces Jerry Richard, a firefighter whose passion for service masked a private battle with addiction. From early marijuana use to years of secretive alcohol dependency, Jerry reflects on the personal and professional consequences of his substance use—and the moment when he finally asked for help. With honesty and humility, he shares the losses that pushed him back into substance use after a period of sobriety, and how peer support and breathwork therapy helped him begin again. Today, Jerry leads with compassion, offering others the same safe space and support that saved his own life.

Takeaways

First responders experience high rates of trauma-related conditions, including PTSD and substance use disorder.
Alcohol use remains the most common—and most overlooked—issue in public safety professions.
Peer support programs, when backed by confidentiality and lived experience, are powerful tools for early intervention.
Recovery is possible—even for those who once believed it was out of reach.
Changing the culture starts with telling the truth: you're not alone, and help exists.

Hashtags
#BeyondSubstance #RecoveryIsPossible #FirstResponderWellness #PeerSupportWorks #EmployeeAssistance #PublicSafetyMentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #StigmaFree #AlcoholUseDisorder #SubstanceUseRecovery #FirefighterMentalHealth #JodiMiller #DeanBabcock #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #AddictionRecovery #EAPSupport #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness

Podcast Information:

Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236

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