OC45 - Rick   Hi Friend, welcome to the ODAAT Chat podcast!   If you are new here, My name is Arlina and I’ll be your host. This is a podcast where my guests and I talk about how to recovery from alcoholism and many forms of addiction.   Today’s episode is probably one of the most important I have published to date. Through this conversation with my friend and fellow podcaster Rick, I learned about the increasing rate of alcoholism and suicide rate of first responders. The tragedy and horror they see on a daily basis and the culture of holding everything in, can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, depression and in extreme cases, alcoholism and suicide.   It was very important to me get Rick’s story out. His courage in coming forward and telling the truth of the struggles he faced will be the catalyst for others to reach out for help. As a society, we need to help those who are there for us in our worst moments of crisis. It’s my hope that Rick’s message will reach another standing at the abyss, to know they are not alone.   Please be advised that some of the content may be difficult to hear. And with that, It’s my great honor to share this conversation, with Rick.