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Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counseling Services for Firefighters
When the problems and stresses of everyday life are too difficult to handle on your own, a skilled professional who is respectful of your privacy can provide just the help and support you need.
Treatment Counselors are on hand 24/7 at our toll-free, confidential phone line to provide you with immediate assistance with member issues.
Program services are offered by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) as part of the member benefit package, and come at no cost to members of NVFC or their immediate family.
Serving Firefighter’s Recovery Needs
We can assist with issues including, but not limited to the following:
- Alcohol & Drug Abuse
- Relationship Problems
- Anxiety and/or Depression
- Psychological Problems
- Critical Incidents
- Legal Problems
- Work-related Concerns
- Stress
- Financial Management Difficulties
Videos
John Salka — Battalion Cheif — FDNY (Retired)
Dr. Rich Gasaway – Situational Awareness Matters
What kind of help is available?
This new Member Assistance Program (MAP) is a combined effort brought to you by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and American Addiction Centers serving all NVFC members and families. Services such as assessments, crisis intervention, education, and referral services are available for problems affecting your personal and work life. Counselors are available to talk with you about issues relating to family problems, marital difficulties, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health concerns, emotional distress, and more.
How does the Member Assistance Program Work?
Representatives are available through a 24-hour toll-free phone line. When you call the toll-free number you may receive immediate help for your problem, or arrangements will be made for you to meet with a counselor in your area. Depending on the nature of your problem, you may receive information about beneficial resources in your community. Since firefighters are more prone to open up and discuss their struggles with other firefighters, we offer them the opportunity to speak with one of our first responder team members.
Who can use this service?
All members and eligible family members are eligible to use the service. Eligible family members include individuals in your immediate household and dependent children living away from home.
How much does this program cost?
The toll-free confidential hotline is provided to NVFC members at no cost to the member or family member. This service is offered by the NVFC as part of the member benefit package. If our counselors recommend drug treatment, alcoholism counseling or other help, your health benefits may cover some or all of the related costs. Every effort will be made to find quality care
within your ability to pay.
UNCOPE — Screening Instrument for Substance Abuse
The UNCOPE consists of six questions found in existing instruments and assorted research reports. This excellent screen was first reported by Hoffmann and colleagues in 1999. Variations in wording are noted for several of the items. The first wording is the original for the “U” and “P” items. The more concrete wording of the revised versions were found to be slightly better as a generic screen. Either version of the six questions may be used free of charge for oral administration in any medical, psychosocial, or clinical interview. They provide a simple and quick means of identifying risk for abuse and dependence for alcohol and other drugs. Please maintain attribution.