Finding Answers for Drug and Alcohol Misuse
3-minute read
Finding Answers for Drug and Alcohol Misuse
3-minute read
When people are addicted to drugs or alcohol, they may ask themselves questions like these:
- Am I so far down that recovery is out of reach?
- Even if recovery is possible, how do I get started?
- What treatments are available for me?
- What will recovery do for me?
For family and friends who have tried to help a Veteran who is misusing drugs or alcohol, they may ask themselves, “Can I really make a difference?”
The stories of Veterans like Jenny, Paul, and Kevin provide answers to those questions. All three recount and share their journeys to sobriety—and the impact on their lives—for National Recovery Month in September.
Jenny’s journey
Experiencing military sexual trauma and the realities of war during her service in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2007 took a toll on Jenny’s mental health. The Veteran says she felt lost, powerless, and suicidal, and she tried to cope by drinking alcohol and using heroin.
Her parents’ insistence led Jenny to seek mental health treatment through VA, and Jenny didn't shy away from trying different options. Those included cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and art therapy.
“I just kept trying all things,” Jenny says. “I was like, ‘OK, there’s an answer out there.’”
Sober since 2011, Jenny now spends a good deal of time helping other Veterans by organizing the type of writing workshops that provided a big boost to her recovery. She also participates in theater for social change. “I’m rebuilding myself,” she says.
Paul’s path
Paul started drinking in high school, and his substance misuse expanded to include cocaine while serving in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1978. His misuse continued after his service, leading to divorce and a downward spiral. “I was out hustling golf, gambling on horses, bouncing checks anywhere that I could,” he says.
When he reached out to his mother at a particularly low point, she urged him to seek help from VA. His invitation to a group counseling session with other Veterans became his turning point. It led to his participation in VA outpatient programs, a faith-based 12-step program, and a golf program for people in recovery that provides ongoing support.
“My early experience in recovery was really about learning,” he says. “Every tool that I've had available to me, I have soaked up and utilized.” He’s also embraced his new outlook on life, which keeps him committed to staying sober.
“I remember my last days struggling, figuring out where to go next,” he recalls. “I did not want to put on that mask again.”
Kevin’s inspiration
Kevin’s 20-year battle with substance misuse started with his attempt to cope with the chronic ringing he developed in his ears during his service in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 1983. His misuse of alcohol and drugs brought him to years of homelessness and left him feeling totally lost.
“After really, really hitting rock bottom and at the persistence of my wife, I figured I'd give it a shot to get clean, to get help,” he says.
A detox center and a VA residential treatment program started his recovery journey and his treatments for substance use disorder, depression, and anxiety. Ongoing therapy, journaling, and exercising—and support from his wife and his Narcotics Anonymous sponsor—help keep him on the right path.
Now he’s rebuilt relationships with his family. Working for VA as a peer specialist, he’s also sharing his story with other Veterans as a source of inspiration and hope to help them through recovery. “I didn't get clean until I was 54, so it’s never too late,” he says.
