Study Looks at First-Responder Substance Use During Pandemic

While frontline workers experienced increased burnout and mental health issues during the pandemic, many reported no significant concerns about substance use, according to a study by Florida Atlantic University. Findings released Thursday and cross-published in the International Journal of Drug Policy showed that nearly 61% of 2,801 first responders surveyed nationwide said substance use was not a concern in 2020 and 2021, while 40% of respondents said they turned to drugs to relieve emotional discomfort. Twenty-two percent of those surveyed said they were unable to cut down on sub...