Law enforcement personnel put their lives at risk every day, witness horrific crimes, and endure tragedies. When faced with significant pressure and ongoing anxiety, emotions in officers can build up and lead to harmful behavior if not adequately addressed (Maslach 1979). Warning signs of destructive behavior for police officers include unexpected changes in behavior, erratic work habits, increased sick days for trivial ailments, scattered thinking, and excessive worrying (Territo, Vetter, 1981). These warning signs can lead to substance abuse and suicide (Territo, Vetter, 1981). “Police department officials have informally reported that at least 25% of the officers in their respective departments have serious alcohol problems (Territo, Vetter, 1981).” According to Blackmore (1987) 10% of police officers have drug problems. Substance abuse not only affects the officer, it directly affects his family as well. The effects of substance abuse on offspring were studied in one experiment, which concluded that all of their parents' children had higher rates of conduct disorder and depression (Merikangas, Dierker, & Szatmari, 1998). Addiction to any substance that alters a person's mood, behavior, or mood negatively affects children. As a child, seeing a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol shows a false path in life and can increase the likelihood that the child will become addicted to alcohol or drugs later in life. Addiction not only has a negative effect but also causes distance in family relationships. A mother and father are described as role models and caregivers, so it is important for a law enforcement officer to protect not only the community but also his own person.