Workplace Stress, Burnout, and Substance Use Among First Responders During COVID-19
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on first responders, increasing exposure to stress, anxiety, and burnout. While concerns about mental health have grown, less is known about how pandemic-related work pressures and organizational responses affected drug and alcohol use among first responders.
Purpose
This study examines the relationship between work pressures, workplace support strategies, burnout, and problematic substance use among first responders during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a nationwide survey and structural equation modeling, it assesses whether burnout mediates these relationships.
Outcome
The findings show that pandemic-related work pressure increased burnout and problematic substance use among first responders. General workplace support strategies, especially providing spaces to decompress at work, were associated with lower burnout and reduced substance use. In contrast, some COVID-specific strategies, such as compensation during quarantine, were linked to higher levels of problematic substance use. The study highlights burnout as a key mechanism shaping substance use risk and underscores the need for carefully designed workplace supports that prioritize stress reduction without unintended negative consequences.