By Lt. David Miner
While scrolling through social media recently, I noticed several advertisements that discussed the concept of “cortisol addiction.” I usually dismiss ads that serve no other purpose than to clutter my feed, but these resonated with me. They claimed what I might be experiencing wasn’t burnout, as commonly assumed, but rather an addiction to the stress hormone cortisol. This prompted a deeper dive into the mechanisms of cortisol and its potential role in modern stress responses.
Police work is traditionally synonymous with unpredictability, danger and moments of intense decision-making. The allure of the job lies in its challenges: the opportunity to make a difference, the camaraderie with colleagues and the thrill of the unexpected. Unfortunately, behind this exterior of resilience and determination lies a physiological reality that is often overlooked: the pervasive influence of stress hormones, particularly cortisol, on officers’ daily lives and long-term well-being. [1]
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. In acute situations, it plays a vital role in the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing individuals to respond swiftly to threats by increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow to essential muscles and enhancing alertness. For police officers facing life-threatening situations, this hormonal response is an essential survival mechanism. But what happens when the stress is not temporary but chronic? What are the implications of living in a constant state of hypervigilance, fueled by elevated cortisol levels? These questions point to a broader, more complex issue that some researchers have described as “cortisol addiction.”
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What is ‘cortisol addiction’?
Cortisol addiction is not a formal clinical diagnosis [2], yet it captures a compelling psychological and physiological phenomenon. Officers may not consciously crave cortisol itself, but they can become accustomed to, or even dependent on, the heightened state of alertness and energy it produces. Over time, this state can come to feel “normal,” or even necessary, to function effectively in high-stress environments. The problem arises when the body and brain become conditioned to this heightened state, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break even outside the job. [3]
One way to understand this cycle is through the lens of neurological adaptation. Chronic exposure to elevated cortisol can alter brain chemistry, particularly in regions associated with memory, emotional regulation and decision-making. [4] In police officers, these changes can manifest as hypervigilance, a state of constant scanning for threats that, while essential in the field, can make relaxation or sleep nearly impossible. Over time, this hypervigilance can contribute to a range of health problems, from insomnia and cardiovascular disease to anxiety and depression. [5]
The behavioral patterns associated with this cycle can further complicate the picture. Officers who have grown accustomed to operating in high-stakes environments may unconsciously seek out similar experiences even when they are not required by duty. This might involve volunteering for high-risk assignments, engaging in adrenaline-fueled activities during off-duty hours or displaying a preference for work over personal life because the “calm” of home feels unsettling. These tendencies, while understandable, can have serious consequences for both personal relationships and long-term health.
One of the most concerning aspects of chronic cortisol exposure is its impact on physical health. Research has shown prolonged elevations in cortisol levels can lead to hypertension, a weakened immune system and metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes. For police officers, who already face higher-than-average risks for heart disease and other stress-related illnesses, these effects can be particularly dangerous. [6]
The physical toll is often compounded by the mental and emotional strain of the job. Burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are all significantly more prevalent among law enforcement personnel than in the general population, and chronic stress is a key contributor to these conditions. [7] Research has found that while physical threats are inherent stressors in police work, organizational issues such as heavy workloads, time constraints, insufficient resources and managerial styles often create greater stress, indicating a need for improved coping mechanisms for these challenges. [7]
Chronic stress-related activation of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis can lead to its dysregulation, disrupting normal cortisol secretion patterns. This dysregulation has been associated with impaired stress management, emotional regulation and decision-making, all of which can increase vulnerability to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance use. [8]
In this video, you’ll discover how cortisol — the body’s stress hormone — affects first responders both on the job and off. Learn about the concept of “cortisol addiction,” the health risks of chronic stress and why managing this stress is crucial. We’ll also explore practical strategies like mindfulness, peer support, and lifestyle adjustments to help first responders stay resilient and healthy.
Alcohol and tobacco as coping mechanisms
It’s likely we all know friends and coworkers within policing circles who seem to pop dip pouches as if they were candy or can never seem to kick the habit of having a few beers after work each day. Alcohol and tobacco are common coping mechanisms among police officers to manage stress. Acute alcohol and nicotine intake temporarily blunts the physiological stress response, providing short-term relief by reducing feelings of anxiety or emotional strain. However, both substances also induce stresslike cortisol responses. Over time, continued use of these substances to cope can exacerbate HPA dysregulation, creating a feedback loop that perpetuates substance dependency and stress vulnerability.
The implications of this phenomenon extend beyond individual officers to the broader culture of policing. Departments that fail to address the physiological and psychological effects of chronic stress risk fostering an environment where stress-related behaviors such as aggression, impulsivity or emotional withdrawal become normalized. These behaviors can impair decision-making, increase the likelihood of excessive-force incidents and undermine community trust. They can also contribute to a toxic work culture where officers feel unable to seek help for fear of being perceived as weak or unfit for duty.
Recognizing these risks is the first step toward addressing them. Police departments must adopt a proactive approach to stress management, one that goes beyond surface-level interventions to address the root causes of chronic cortisol exposure. This involves creating an organizational culture that prioritizes officer well-being as much as operational effectiveness. Comprehensive mental health programs, peer support networks, proactive EAP discussions and access to counseling services are essential components of this approach. So too is the implementation of training programs that teach officers practical stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, controlled breathing and cognitive-behavioral strategies for reframing negative thought patterns.
Regular physical activity also plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of chronic stress. Exercise has been shown to regulate cortisol levels, improve sleep quality and enhance overall mental health. [9] For police officers, incorporating physical fitness into their routine can provide a natural outlet for stress and improve their ability to cope with the demands of the job. Departments can support this by providing on-site fitness facilities, incentivizing physical training and encouraging participation in team sports or recreational activities. Organizations with work shifts can implement shift fitness initiatives.
Another important strategy is rotating assignments to reduce prolonged exposure to high-stress environments. Officers who spend extended periods in units that deal with violent crime, drug enforcement or tactical operations are particularly vulnerable to the effects of chronic stress. By rotating these assignments, departments can give officers a chance to decompress and recalibrate, reducing the risk of burnout and its associated consequences.
Perhaps most important, police leaders must foster an environment where seeking help is not stigmatized but encouraged. This requires a shift in the traditional “tough it out” mentality that has long characterized law enforcement culture. Officers need to know their well-being is valued and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Leadership training programs can play a critical role in changing these attitudes by equipping supervisors with the tools to recognize signs of stress in their teams and respond with empathy and support.
Understanding the effects of chronic stress
The concept of “cortisol addiction” may not yet have the scientific rigor to be classified as a medical diagnosis, but it highlights a pressing and ongoing issue within law enforcement: the need to understand and address the physiological and psychological effects of chronic stress. By taking a holistic approach to officer well-being — one that addresses the association between biology, behavior and organizational culture — police departments can create a healthier, more sustainable model for the profession.
Healthy, resilient officers are better equipped to perform duties essential to effective policing. Addressing the challenges posed by chronic stress and cortisol exposure is not just a matter of individual health but a critical component of public safety and community well-being.
References
1. Walton M. Why police officers fall off the ‘hypervigilance cliff’ and how to avoid it. Police1. 2022.
2. Mandriota M. Are you addicted to stress? PsychCentral. 2022.
3. Gilmartin KM. Emotional survival for law enforcement: A guide for officers and their families. E-S Press; 2021.
4. McEwen BS. Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Physiol Rev. 2007.
5. Violanti JM, Charles LE, McCanlies E, et al. Police stressors and health: A state-of-the-art review. Policing. 2017.
6. Violanti JM, Vena JE, Petralia S. Mortality of a police cohort: 1950–1990. Am J Ind Med. 1998.
7. Berg AM, Hem E, Lau B, Ekeberg Ø. An exploration of job stress and health in the Norwegian police service: A cross-sectional study. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2006.
8. Lovallo WR. Cortisol secretion patterns in addiction and addiction risk. Int J Psychophysiol. 2006.
9. Ratey JJ, Hagerman E. Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Little, Brown and Co; 2008.
About the author
Lieutenant David Miner holds a Doctor of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security and has over 20 years of experience in policing. He is an FBI National Academy graduate and has also been recognized as a National Institute of Justice LEADS scholar for integrating evidence-based practices into law enforcement. Miner serves as the crisis intervention team coordinator and peer support team commander within his agency. He is a passionate advocate for professional development and innovative policing strategies.
