Adrienne deployed to Iraq and served as a security escort. Facing frequent mortar attack was stressful, and eventually she visited a combat stress clinic. When she got home, her old job was gone. She found herself spending a lot of time alone and began drinking. A VA program helped her, and she is back to living well for herself and her son.
View Video TranscriptAdrienne:
I'm Adrienne, I'm a member of the Washington National Guard. I've been in for six years. I wasn't thinking about deploying even though they kept reminding us. It didn't really phase me at the time, I was pretty much focused on getting through that day of training and eventually getting home to my son. When we did deploy, my life was kind of a wreck. Being gone for that long definitely changed me. I was an armed security escort, so I worked side by side with the local national's Iraqi people. We would get mortared and we'd all have to report to do a head count, make sure nobody got hurt. That was a little stressful, and I think Fourth of July we got hit a couple times. So, it was like fireworks but a little different. A trigger sparked and I grabbed my weapon, held it close to me like I did twenty-four hours a day anyway, made sure I had ammo, and I told my roommate that night I couldn't sleep, and I said “wake up, somethings wrong here with me, wake up, I need to talk” and she would not wake up. And so, I took my weapon and I sat on this, we have like a trailer with little steps and I sat outside and if somebody were to approach me, I was ready to fire. So, that was a defining moment. The next day I went to combat stress.
I came back to my restaurant job, but that restaurant didn’t exist anymore, out of business. So, I had no job. So, I went on unemployment. I was alone a lot, too, and I didn’t know what to do with that, so, you know, I drank wine. I was used to talking to people every day, all the time. I wasn’t used to being alone. And I didn’t want to utilize my family too terribly much, so I referred to the VA. I went to the VA to figure stuff out. I did six months of outpatient substance abuse treatment and that was helpful. There was a psychologist that I talked to. It’s just like talking to a friend, even if it sounds weak, it’s not. If you want to succeed, you know, don’t be afraid. All the stuff that keeps you healthy and happy, we all know. We all know what to do, it’s a matter of doing it. Enjoying your family, that’s what I wanted to do. Just being happy, like try to be happy.
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To manage upsetting feelings after a nightmare, focus on what's real by touching and describing objects around you. If you're unable to sleep within 15 minutes, leave your bed briefly to wash your hands or drink water while avoiding any strenuous activity. Also, talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions. Learn more steps you can take on our Nightmares page.
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There are many options for Veterans who want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol or using drugs. One option is counseling, either one-on-one or in a group. Another involves medication to help reduce use. A third option is mutual-help groups. You can work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment to find the one that's best for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Alcohol or Drug Misuse page.
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The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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Reckless Behavior
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There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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