Police Officer Addicted to Drugs and His Inspiring Recovery

 

West Palm Beach, Fl - Brock Bevell never imagined that a single violent moment would change the entire trajectory of his life. A retired Mesa, Arizona police officer, Bevell devoted his career to public service, answering calls, protecting strangers, and wearing the uniform with pride. That life ended abruptly after a targeted act of violence left him seriously injured, forced into early retirement, and sent down a path he never expected: addiction, followed by a hard-fought recovery that would redefine who he was beyond the badge.

His story is featured in Police Addicted to Drugs and His Amazing Recovery, a Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, streaming for free on their website and on platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most major podcast apps.

A Career Cut Short by Violence

While serving with the Mesa Police Department, Bevell was critically injured during a violent encounter involving a vehicle. The incident resulted in devastating injuries that ended his law enforcement career and required multiple surgeries. 

Like many officers injured in the line of duty, he entered a long and exhausting rehabilitation process, one filled with physical pain, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of losing a career he loved.

To manage that pain, Bevell was prescribed opioid medications. At the time, it seemed like the logical and responsible path forward. Instead, it became the beginning of a much deeper struggle.

From Prescription to Addiction

Months of surgeries and physical therapy slowly turned reliance into dependence. What began as doctor-prescribed pain relief evolved into a severe opioid addiction. “I didn’t recognize myself anymore,” Bevell says. “My world became smaller and darker. I was surviving, not living.”

Forced retirement stripped away his identity as an officer, and addiction compounded the loss. Relationships suffered. Purpose faded. The uniform was gone, but the trauma, and the pain remained. His experience reflects a reality many first responders face but few openly discuss.

The Science Behind the Struggle

Medical research underscores just how common stories like Bevell’s have become. A major study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients undergoing common surgeries face a significantly increased risk of chronic opioid use. Lead author Eric Sun, MD, PhD, explained: “For a lot of surgeries, there is a higher chance of getting hooked on painkillers.”

Trauma, Policing, and Substance Use
Law enforcement officers face unique occupational hazards, including repeated exposure to violence and psychological trauma. Studies show substance use disorders occur at higher rates among officers, particularly those experiencing PTSD. 

National data indicates that more than half of men with lifetime PTSD also have a history of alcohol abuse or dependence.

Hitting Bottom and Choosing Recovery

Bevell’s turning point came when he realized addiction had taken everything it could from him. With professional treatment, a support system, and determination, he committed to recovery and sobriety. “Recovery didn’t give me my old life back,” he says. “It gave me a new one, one with purpose.”

Healing Beyond the Badge

Communities often view police officers as symbols of strength and resilience. Bevell’s story is a reminder that officers also need space to heal. Proactive wellness programs, accessible mental health care, and honest conversations about addiction are critical, not only for officers, but for the communities they serve.

Listen to Brock’s powerful story in the Special Episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, Police Addicted to Drugs and His Amazing Recovery, streaming for free on their website and on platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most major podcast apps.

Dive deeper for free. 

Attributions

Stanford Medical

IACP

NIH



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