Substance use is real in first responder culture. Learn how to support a struggling peer, without enabling, judging, or ignoring the signs.

What do you do when someone you trust starts spiraling, and you suspect it’s more than just stress?

Substance use in first responder culture is more common than we want to admit. But it’s not always easy to talk about. The signs aren’t always obvious. The conversations can feel awkward. And when you’re close to the person, it’s hard to know what to say—or when to say it.

This episode is a practical, honest look at how to support a peer who may be struggling with substance use.

You’ll learn what to look for, how to approach them without judgment, and when to bring in professional help. And if it’s you who’s quietly struggling, we’ll talk about that too, with zero shame.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

1. Signs and symptoms of substance use among first responders
2. How to start a conversation with a peer without making it worse
3. When peer support is enough, and when it’s time to refer
4. What to do if you’re the one struggling

You don’t have to be a counselor to help. You just need to care and know how to step in wisely.

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First Responder Treatment Facilities:

Unified Wellness Center: https://unifiedwellnesscenter.com

Throttle and Thrive: https://throttleandthrive.com

First Responder Wellness: https://frhealth.com

Chateau Health & Wellness: https://www.chateaurecovery.com

After Action: https://afteraction.care

IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery: https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: www.survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Discover the invisible wounds of moral injury and learn how to support peers struggling with it. This episode of Surviving Your Shift explores the differences between moral injury and PTSD, common scenarios in public safety, and practical steps for listening, validating, and referring.

Are you supporting a peer who's struggling with moral injury, but you're not sure what it is or how to help?

Moral injury is a hidden wound that affects many first responders and healthcare workers. It's different from PTSD, and it requires a unique approach to support.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:

1. What moral injury is and how it differs from PTSD
2. Common moral injury scenarios in public safety
3. How to listen and validate without judgment or fixing
4. When to suggest professional help or spiritual support
5. How to support yourself when you're the one struggling with moral injury

Use this episode to enhance your peer support skills, improve your team's well-being, and create a safer, more compassionate work environment. Share it with your colleagues, and start conversations about moral injury in your department.

Share This Episode:

https://www.survivingyourshift.com/54

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: www.survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Learn how to build a peer support team in a small department, with practical tips for rural first responders, fire, EMS, and police. Discover right-sized peer support looks like.

What do you say when you hear, “We’re too small for peer support”?

Many small departments struggle with the same question: “How can we start peer support when we’re already short on people and time?”

In this episode, we dive into how to build a peer support team in a small department, making it realistic and practical for rural first responders, fire, EMS, and police.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

1. What “right-sized” peer support looks like in a 20–50 person department
2. How to pick the first 2–3 people for your team
3. Simple policies you actually need for a small department
4. How to partner with nearby agencies, chaplains, or EAP to extend your reach
5. What to do in the first 90 days to ensure team effectiveness and longevity

Use this episode with your peer support team, leadership, or at your next shift meeting to start or improve peer support in your small department. Share it with other small agencies struggling with the same question.

Share this episode

https://www.survivingyourshift.com/53

Connect with Bart

Email: bart@survivingyourshift.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: www.survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.