Wooded Glen Recovery Center, IL
“I think the training went great. You provided a lot of good information that we need.”
Julia Mackey
Director of Admissions
First Responder Addiction & Mental Health Training
Specialized education for police, EMTs, firefighters, and crisis workers—built to save lives, support peers, and protect communities.
Fully accredited. Globally recognized. Built for the next generation of Addiction & Mental Health Professionals.
What Is The First Responder Addiction and Mental Health Training Training?
Police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and crisis workers face addiction and mental health challenges every day: in the people they serve, in their own coworkers, and sometimes in themselves. That's why this training takes a three-prong approach:
In the community – how to recognize and respond to addiction and mental health issues in the public you serve.
In your peers – how to identify and support coworkers who may be struggling with PTSD, substance use, or burnout.
In yourself – how to spot warning signs early and protect your own mental health in a high-risk profession.
Led by Dr. Cali Estes and The Addictions Academy, this program blends straight talk, clinical insight, and field-ready strategies. You’ll learn how to read the signs, communicate without confrontation, understand today’s drugs and mental health terminology, and connect people with resources that actually work. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tools to keep your community safer, strengthen your team, and protect your own wellbeing on and off the job.
Key Topics & Teachings Include:
Addiction In The Field
What addiction really is (and what it isn’t)
How brain chemistry drives cravings and relapse
Why “just stop” doesn’t work for first responders or the public
Spotting the Signs Early
Physical and behavioral red flags in clients and coworkers
How to decode body language and subtle cues
When stress or trauma tips into addiction
Communication Skills
Active vs. passive listening in crisis conversations
Open-ended questions that reduce resistance
Language that builds trust instead of shame
Mental Health & Co-Occurring Disorders
DSM-5 basics and common terminology
PTSD, anxiety, and depression in high-stress jobs
Defense mechanisms that keep addiction hidden
Substances, Street Drugs & Process Addictions
Current drugs, slang, and pharmacology in real time
Process addictions like gambling, gaming, and food
Acute vs. post-acute withdrawal warning signs
Family, Community & Long-Term Recovery
Family dynamics and enabling behaviors
Accessing free and affordable treatment resources
The continuum of care—from crisis to sustained healing
Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get When You Enroll
First Responder Addiction & Mental Health Training - Counts Towards 11 CEU/CME/CE/Hrs
First Responder Addiction & Mental Health Video Training
5 CEU/CME/CE/Hrs
A 3 hour professional training course that teaches first responders how to better identify, respond to, and manage addiction/mental health issues in all three contexts (community, coworkers, self).
Session One:
Understanding Addiction in the Field
You’ll learn what addiction really is, how it shows up in the community, and how it affects first responders themselves. Cali breaks down the signs to look for, the language that works in conversations, and why “just stop” isn’t realistic. You’ll also get practical tools for spotting coworkers who are struggling and connecting people to resources without judgment.
Session Two:
Triggers, Process Addictions & Treatment Options
This session digs into what sets off cravings and relapse—emotional, environmental, and sensory triggers—and how to interrupt the cycle. You’ll also explore process addictions and compare them with substance addictions. Cali reviews traditional and emerging treatment options (12-step, MAT, holistic, psychedelics) and shows you strategies that actually open the door to change.
Session Three:
Mental Health, Trauma, and Addiction Dynamics
Here you’ll connect the dots between trauma, mental health disorders, and substance use. From family dynamics and defense mechanisms to PTSD, anxiety, and personality disorders, you’ll learn how these issues drive behavior in the field. The session also covers EMDR, withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring disorders, and practical ways to support coworkers in recovery—while protecting your own mental health.
First Responder Addiction & Mental Health Training Manual
This 70+ page manual equips professionals with critical insights into the heightened risks of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as substance abuse, that are prevalent among police officers, firefighters, and EMTs due to the demanding nature of their work. The manual details specific stressors faced by each group, outlines common signs of substance abuse, and explains the nature of addiction, including the cycle of addiction and how drugs affect the brain. Furthermore, it offers practical guidance on how to help coworkers battling substance abuse or PTSD, emphasizing the importance of active listening and seeking professional help. Understanding these dynamics can equip you to identify issues in yourself and your colleagues, navigate ethical challenges, and foster a supportive environment within your profession, ultimately promoting better mental health and well-being for yourself and your peers.
Ethics Training Course
6 CEU/CME/CE/Hrs
Gain a deep understanding of ethical responsibilities, including confidentiality, professional standards, report writing, case management, and legal compliance across state lines. Through practical scenarios, action planning, and guidance on boundaries, trust-building, and communication, participants learn to navigate complex ethical situations confidently.
6 Months of On-Demand Access
Enjoy 6 months of on-demand access to the full training, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Revisit lessons anytime, review key strategies, and reinforce your coaching skills whenever it fits your schedule.
Upgrade & Choose Our LIVE WEBINAR Option To Receive:
Live Virtual Classroom Training With Dr. Cali Estes
Learn directly from one of the nation’s leading addiction experts in a focused, live, interactive session.
Interactive Q&A and Real-Time Case Discussions
Get answers to your staff’s toughest questions and explore real-world scenarios as a group.
Unlimited Attendees From Your Organization
Train your entire team at once—no per-person fees or restrictions on class size.
Certificates & CEUs For Every Participant
Every attendee receives a certificate of completion after passing exams.
Join 60,000+ Student Success Stories & Counting...
Become part of a global network of coaches and professionals trained in over 40 countries—and get everything you need to build a purpose-driven practice, help others heal, and create a profitable business
Sierra Tucson, Arizona
“Dr. Cali Estes joins Sierra Tucson to train their entire Recovery Coach 360 Team.”
Crossroads Turning Point, Colorado
“Amazing training on Harm Reduction and relapse prevention. Cannot wait to have you back next month to teach another class.”
Rob Archuletta
Executive Director
Wynward Way, OC California
“Very pleased to have Dr. Cali come out and train our staff in AMA/APA block training.”
Veronica Waters
Vice President
Just Believe Recovery, PA & Florida
“Dr Cali Estes was a joy to have at our center. We received a lot of amazing feedback from our staff and loved the breakout sessions”
Sinead
Clinical Director
Aqua Recovery Center, Utah
“Dr. Cali has given us the ability to create a new program in Recovery Coaching. This has given us the ability to keep track of our patients while at RTC, and also when they leave. We have seen great success with this program.”
Clint Tolman
Executive Director
St. Joseph's Institute, PA
“We have learned a lot at this training, I am glad you came out and we found you for our staff. You are doing a great job.”
Guy Murray
CEO St. Joseph’s Institute
New Vista Behavioral Health, Avalon Malibu
“Excellent Admissions Call center training with Cali”
Christine Parker
Marketing Director
Ocean Hills Recovery, California
“Amazing class! We have had Cali out here a few times for training our staff.”
Chris Cannon
Managing Partner
Vanguard Accelerator
Vanguard Accelerator
Cedar Point Recovery, CA
“Thank you, Dr. Estes. The staff found your training educational and allows them the opportunity to empower themselves with clients.”
Jody M. Ressio
MA, LAADC, Clinical Director
Lakeview Health, Jacksonville, FL
“The training was comprehensive and easy to follow for some employees not as versed in the field of interventions. I would highly recommend Cali and The Addictions Academy to anyone looking to join or excel in the field of Addictions.”
Derek Gwaltney
Vice President
Gosnold on Cape Cod, MA
“Cali Got great feedback about today’s training. Much appreciated.”
Ray Tamasi
CEO
First Responder Addiction & Mental Health Training
$999.00
Quantity
First Responder Addiction & Mental Health Training—Your Choice: Self-Paced or Live Group Webinar
Practical, field-ready training for police, EMTs, firefighters, and crisis workers. Learn how to recognize, respond, and recover—community, coworkers, self. Take the self-study training for $999, or bring unlimited staff into a $3,500 live webinar
Meet Your Instructor:
Dr. Cali Estes
Founder & CEO
Dr. Cali Estes is a world leader in addiction recovery, mental health, and performance coaching—known globally as “The Female Dr. Drew” and “The Battery Recharger.” With over 25 years of experience, she’s helped CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and high-achievers break free from burnout, addiction, and trauma using her no-nonsense, science-backed, results-driven approach.
As founder of The Addictions Academy and Sober On Demand®, Dr. Cali has trained more than 60,000 professionals across 40 countries and created concierge recovery programs trusted by leaders who need change fast. A 6x #1 best-selling author, international speaker, and host of the UnPause Your Life podcast, her work has been featured by CNN, Forbes, People, and FOX.
When you learn from Dr. Cali, you’re learning from someone who has walked through the fire, mastered the tools, and built programs that actually work. She won’t just give you knowledge—she’ll show you how to create transformation that lasts.
The World’s Premier Training Institute for Mental Health & Addiction Professional Development.
2046 Treasure Coast Pkwy Unit A, #207 Vero Beach FL 32960
Quick Links
