Page 41 - February 2020 FOP Magazine

29.9 percent, but among women, it rose about 58 percent.
And the women who go out drinking with the boys should not forget that they start to have alcohol-related problems soon- er and at lower drinking levels than men because, on average, women weigh less than men, alcohol resides predominantly in body water and pound for pound, women have less water in
their bodies than men.
Additional research indicates that women drink more in re-
sponse to negative emotions than men. Female Chicago Police Officers have been there. They go out after the tour, and the men might be drinking for positive reinforcement for keeping a do- mestic from elevating. But female officers think about the call, about the crying, neglected baby in a dirty diaper and drink in response to a negative mood.
“Those are the things that weigh on you,” confirms Tina Suka- lo, who has been on for 17 years and a counselor in the Profes- sional Counseling Division for the past six months. “For sure, we internalize it more. We don’t go home and talk to our spouses. We keep it pent up and it turns into resentment.”
What fellow officers might not see in their female colleagues is how much the “not being able to handle it” fallout of the job creates the pain that can be numbed with alcohol or other abu- sive behavior. Women in the department should remember they can do anything any officer can do, but they can’t fall victim to feeling like they have to do everything.
And when they try, their own mental health and well-being tends to sink low on the priority list.
“Women feel guilty about taking care of themselves first. They like to take care of others,” explains Officer Ann Jaros, who re- cently became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and works for the Professional Counseling Division. “So you feel mentally exhausted, and you throw back a few drinks. You’re feel-
ing better, and then you get completely intoxicated and wake up the next morning suffering through the hangover. And then you have the guilt from not doing what you’re supposed to be doing.”
Perhaps the red flags of alcohol abuse or addictive behavior aren’t as apparent in female officers as they are in male officers. Because they hide it, you won’t smell the alcohol on them. You won’t see the red nose.
But know that alcoholism affects women so much faster. It de- stroys their bodies more quickly.
Sukalo admits that she is fortunate to have realized her issues and to have sought help with the Professional Counseling Divi- sion. But both she and Jaros are two of the bravest women in the Department because they got help.
Ironically, they met at an AA meeting, and realizing they were both the police saw a need for a women’s-only No Cop Out meet- ing. There is a No Cop Out meeting just for women held every Thursday night at Saint Xavier University’s Graham School of Management at 3825 W. 103rd St. in Chicago.
Jaros was excited when she walked into that first AA meeting and saw another Chicago Police Officer in Sukalo. Their conver- sations immediately revealed that nobody may have any real idea what female police officers go through and what leads them to alcohol abuse.
So if you see that the female officer at roll call or next to you in the beat car might be hurting, reassure her that counselors like Jaros and Sukalo at the Professional Counseling Division are fully aware of what their sisters are going through. They have a message for those who are looking for a way to let out the emo- tion rather than drowning it with a bottle of wine.
“The goal is to not be ashamed,” Jaros asserts. “Yes, it’s such a scary step to say, ‘I have a problem.’ But you can share your struggles. And you will never feel alone.”
Meeko is here to listen
Your best friend when you need to destress from the job
Visit Meeko at the Brave Police & Public Safety Wellness Center
6323 N. Avondale Avenue, #111B, Chicago, IL 60631 847-778-9322 • www.drrobinkroll.com • drrobinkroll@gmail.com
Meeko is keeping office hours with Dr. Robin Kroll
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• Individual & Family Therapy • Seminars & Workshops
If you are feeling stressed, Meeko will throw you a bone
Also offering FIRST RESPONDERS YOGA
$20 per session (packages available) Register at drrobinkroll@gmail.com or Eventbrite
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