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Time Business News
06-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
First Responders and Addiction: Healing the Healers
The silent crisis among society's protectors First responders—firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and EMTs—stand at the frontlines of disaster and emergency. These professionals are trained to act swiftly in the face of chaos, to remain composed when others are overcome by fear. Yet behind the valor and uniform lies a growing crisis—addiction. Hidden beneath stoic exteriors, many first responders struggle silently with substance use disorders, often as a consequence of their extraordinary occupational burdens. Subutex is a medication used to treat opioid dependence and is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapy. A Subutex prescription is usually given under strict medical supervision due to its potential for misuse and the need for careful dosage management. It contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the full effects of opioids. Doctors must be specially certified to prescribe it, and patients are often monitored closely to ensure adherence and progress. This approach supports long-term recovery and reduces the risk of relapse. Chronic exposure to trauma and emotional fatigue The nature of emergency response demands repeated immersion in high-stress, high-trauma environments. A paramedic may cradle a dying child one day and resuscitate an overdose victim the next. Over time, this constant exposure to human suffering compounds into emotional exhaustion, clinically recognized as compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress. The unrelenting tempo of tragedy creates a psychological scar tissue that, if left unaddressed, can lead to maladaptive coping strategies—including substance abuse. The high-stakes nature of decision-making under duress Few professions demand the degree of instant, life-or-death decision-making that first responders face. Every call could mean navigating a burning building or confronting an armed assailant. The pressure to perform flawlessly in such volatile environments produces a relentless cortisol surge. To unwind, some may reach for alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines—not out of recklessness, but as an attempt to reclaim a moment of peace. Statistical overview and key trends Research paints a sobering picture. Studies show that approximately 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to 20% in the general population. Substance use often walks hand-in-hand with these diagnoses. Alcohol remains the most abused substance, but recent data also shows a troubling uptick in prescription drug misuse, particularly among paramedics and firefighters dealing with chronic pain and sleep disturbances. Common substances of abuse in this demographic While alcohol serves as the most accessible and socially acceptable substance, others lean on prescription medications—Vicodin for back pain, Xanax for panic, Ambien for sleep. In some tragic cases, what begins as a legitimate prescription devolves into dependency. The physical demands of the job, coupled with inadequate rest and disrupted circadian rhythms, create fertile ground for self-medication. The stigma of vulnerability in uniformed professions Cultural norms within first responder communities often valorize toughness and emotional invincibility. Admitting to a substance use disorder can feel akin to confessing a dereliction of duty. This stigma, both internalized and systemic, discourages many from seeking treatment until the situation becomes untenable. Fear of judgment from colleagues—or worse, job loss—can be more paralyzing than the addiction itself. Institutional and cultural resistance within departments Even as awareness grows, some departments continue to exhibit a reactionary approach to addiction—focusing on disciplinary action over rehabilitation. The idea that addiction is a moral failing, rather than a treatable condition, remains entrenched in many circles. Without institutional backing and proactive support systems, the afflicted are often left to navigate recovery in isolation. Specialized programs and trauma-informed care Effective treatment for first responders requires a nuanced approach—one that addresses both the addiction and its underlying causes. Trauma-informed care is essential, as is incorporating therapeutic modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and cognitive behavioral therapy tailored to the first responder experience. Facilities that offer specialized tracks for law enforcement or EMS personnel create an environment of relatability and safety. Peer-led recovery groups and confidentiality safeguards Peer support is a powerful tool in the recovery journey. Groups led by fellow first responders, who speak the same emotional language, often provide the validation and camaraderie needed for healing. Additionally, confidentiality is paramount. Many successful programs offer off-site treatment or anonymous intake to protect careers and reputations, thus removing a significant barrier to entry. Department-level wellness initiatives Forward-thinking departments are implementing robust wellness programs that include mental health screenings, substance use education, and access to counselors trained in first responder psychology. These initiatives are designed not merely for crisis intervention but for prevention. Some agencies now mandate post-incident debriefings and regular wellness check-ins, fostering a proactive rather than reactive stance. Legislative reforms and funding for mental health resources At the policy level, there is growing momentum to allocate resources toward first responder wellness. States have begun passing laws that recognize PTSD as a compensable work-related injury. Federal funding has expanded to support peer counseling networks and confidential mental health services. These legislative shifts are laying the groundwork for sustainable, systemic change. Leadership's role in normalizing mental health care Change begins at the top. When chiefs, captains, and supervisors openly discuss mental health and model vulnerability, it sends a powerful message that seeking help is not weakness—it is wisdom. Training leaders to recognize signs of distress and respond with empathy rather than reprimand helps to dismantle toxic silence. Long-term reintegration and support strategies Recovery is not linear, nor is it finite. Departments that succeed in supporting their personnel understand the necessity of long-term reintegration plans. These might include modified duty assignments, ongoing counseling, and mentorship roles within recovery programs. Reintegration honors not only the first responder's recovery but also their continued value to the team and the community. Starting the journey to overcome opioid dependence requires the right medical support and a compassionate approach. Finding a qualified physician who can prescribe effective treatment is essential for long-term recovery. Using a Subutex doctor locator can make this process easier by helping individuals identify licensed professionals who offer Subutex therapy in their area. This tool is especially useful for those seeking immediate access to care without the stress of endless searching. With proper medical guidance, patients can begin to manage withdrawal symptoms and move forward with confidence. Recovery is possible, and the right support makes all the difference. Honoring the humanity of those who serve First responders dedicate their lives to protecting the public, often at the expense of their own mental and physical well-being. To truly honor their service, society must create systems that support their healing with dignity, compassion, and expertise. Addiction does not diminish their heroism. In many ways, the courage it takes to seek help—and to heal—may be their greatest act of all. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The National
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Inside Zadie Xa's Turner-nominated work at the Sharjah Biennial
First impressions of Zadie Xa's presentation at the Sharjah Biennial are largely dependent on what stage of the work you happen to walk into. The soothing colours of dusks and dawns dominate the room at Sharjah's Al Hamriyah Studio, but it is the work's sound components, emanating through hanging sea shells, that largely inform the mood. You may walk in to wind chimes, the shush of waves rolling ashore, and the whistle of whales. Or you may be greeted with the trilling of a telephone, the frantic clicks of Morse code – and feel the anxiety of a call unanswered, the spookiness of an untraceable and undecipherable message, or the rage of a spurned one. Then there are the melodies, ringing in sustained and haunting pitches, permeating the space with a spectral essence. But no matter when you happen to enter the space, stay long enough and the mysticism of the work will mesmerise you. Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything comprises several elements, from paintings to installation and sound. But it is perhaps best to consider it as a single holistic piece. The work, which is in the running for the prestigious Turner Prize, was developed in collaboration with Benito Mayor Vallejo. It is largely inspired by Korean shamanistic practices, namely Salpuri. The exorcism dance, known for its graceful and cathartic choreography, was aimed at curtailing bad luck. 'Zadie is Canadian-Korean and has been interested for a long time in thinking through these inheritances that she has,' Amal Khalaf, one of the biennial's co-curators, says. The paintings in the space explicitly reveal this shamanistic inspiration, especially through the women dancing with the handkerchiefs twirling around them – a defining aspect of Salpuri. The marine motifs are also a tell tale sign. 'Korean shamans are very much using animistic parts of Korean culture, so slightly off the mainstream, and there's a lot of figures and mythological figures that are marine mammals,' Khalaf says. In Moonlit Confessions, as well as several of her previous works, Xa incorporates shells, fish, whales and other marine imagery in her explorations of these shamanistic rituals and history. The paintings at Al Hamriyah Studio feature humpbacks and orcas, octopuses and even real seashells blended within the work. The centrepiece of Moonlit Confessions is a chandelier-like installation made up of more than 1,000 brass bells that are arranged in the shape of a conch shell. The work, dubbed Ghost, is suspended in the middle of the space, its bells dormant until spurred to a gentle ring with the slightest touch. The chimes are inspired Korean shamanic ceremonial rattles, and evoke sounds of protection. 'It could make lots of sound, but is like waiting for us to make sound,' Khalaf says. Xa incorporates other influences within the work, drawing from Korean history but also from unexpected sources. The patchwork in her paintings, for instance, are drawn by traditional Korean quilting methods. The frames are composed out of stitched patches of painted canvas. Xa has incarnated traditional weaving methods in other works, but Khalaf says 'this is the first time where she is experimenting with canvas using the same method.' 'Zadie's influences are not just from Salpuri,' Khalaf adds. 'You will see shaman grandmothers in the images, but you will see other characters as well. Music, hip-hop, anime, cartoons, there are different totems and figures that are storytellers. Moonlit Confessions was developed specifically for the Sharjah Biennial, which is being held under the title To Carry. The theme reflects on the many aspects we individually carry, from memories and homes to languages, histories, wounds and ruptures. Moonlight Confessions responds to theme conceptually and literally. The seashells hanging around the space emitting sound were collected by Xa and Vallejo from beaches around the world, including in Sharjah. 'They found the shells at specific beaches where they had encounters with the sea and with sea life that was meaningful to them,' Khalaf says. 'One is from Greece, one is from Korea, and one is from the beach in Al Hamriyah. They made them speaking shells, and developed these sound pieces that really responded to the idea of To Carry.' Khalaf says she was thrilled to find out Xa's work had been shortlisted for the Turner Prize. 'I was really excited,' she says. 'I'm so proud of Zadie and Benito. I've known Zadie for a long time, and after all the studio visits and just witnessing Zadie's practice develop, I have to say I don't know many artists that works as hard as Zadie. This person is in the studio day in, day out. She is so creative, really generous with everyone that she works with. And I couldn't think of a more deserving artist to be nominated.' Sharjah Biennial is running until June 15
Korea Herald
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korean Canadian artist Zadie Xa shortlisted for Turner Prize 2025
Korean Canadian artist Zadie Xa has been nominated for the prestigious Turner Prize this year for her presentation at Sharjah Biennial 16, the Tate announced Wednesday. Xa is among four nominees, alongside British artist Rene Matic, Iraqi artist Sami Mohammad and London-based artist Nnena Kalu. An exhibition of the nominated artists' works will be held at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford, England, from September this year to February 2026 as part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations. The winner will be announced Dec. 9 at an award ceremony in Bradford, a northern English county of West Yorkshire. The prize comes with a cash award of 25,000 pounds ($33,200). Xa, 42, is known for her powerful installations and paintings that interweave the stories of Korean shamanic rituals, myths and folklore. The presentation she was nominated for, 'Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything,' was created in collaboration with Benito Mayor Vallejo at Sharjah Biennial 16, encompassing the forms of mural, textiles, sound and painting. 'Her vibrant installation blended a soundscape with ethereal paintings, bojagi patchwork and an interactive sculpture of over 650 brass wind chimes inspired by Korean shamanic ritual bells. The jury felt that this cohesive work was a sophisticated development of Xa's reflective and enchanting practice,' according to the Tate. "Bojagi" is the Korea's traditional wrapping cloth. Kalu was nominated for her presentation as part of 'Conversations' at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, England, and 'Hanging Sculpture 1 to 10' at Manifesta 15 in Barcelona, Spain. The artist makes cocoonlike shapes out of paper and textiles that are bound, layered and wrapped, the process of which is rooted in repeated gestures. Matic — who captures fleeting moments of joy in daily life and expressions of tenderness within a wider political context — was nominated for the solo exhibition, 'As Opposed to The Truth,' at CCA Berlin. Exploring memory and loss through art, Sami was recognized by the jury for his large-scale paintings that represent war and exile shown at the solo exhibition 'After the Storm' at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England.
