Carol joined the Army to improve her life. After she left the military, adjusting to being a civilian again was a challenge. She became depressed and turned to drugs. Carol became homeless, and a friend recommended she go to VA. VA resources helped Carol overcome addiction and depression to get back to a fulfilling life.
View Video TranscriptCarol:
My name is Carol. I was in the Army from January 1983 until July of 1986.
I was a 76th Victor I worked in a warehouse supply and I was stationed in Mainz, Germany.
I went into the military to really just get away from like my neighborhood, where I grew up at. ‘Cause I grew up like in the hood, like in a tough neighborhood.
I just felt like if I didn’t go into the military, I wasn’t going to never see anything.
I didn’t adjust well to being a civilian at all, I really wish that I would’ve stayed in the military.
When I came home, I had a son and I really wasn’t ready to be a mom and then, my mom was even more overbearing. My friends was on crack, and the neighborhood really went down. So, when I came home, I was depressed. I really came home to nothing. Then I went into like a real bad state of depression. Then I started wound up getting on drugs. My mom put me out, so I became like homeless. And it was really hard.
A friend of mine that was in the Navy that lived down the street from me, he was telling me why don’t I go down to the VA hospital in Philadelphia and I did.
I was tired of living the way I was and yeah I was scared but the staff, they sat down and they talked to me and reasoned with me and I told them I was scared and they knew I was scared. And I went to rehab, I went to the Rehab at the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre and I stayed in rehab for a couple of months out there.
You know they really help you out as far as like, dealing with becoming like a civilian again, once you leave the military, they help you deal with your issues about what’s really going on with you.
The VA Hospital will help you if you have addiction problems, and even mental problems. Because I have a doctor that they had referred to me that I still have.
He’s a part of like the outpatient that I go to and he’s really good. I’ve had him for like a year now.
Even though their grown, but I got my kids in my life. My mom is 91 years old and she lived to see me get off of drugs. I go to school now. I want to be a drug and alcohol counselor for adolescence. I went to the VA and I got help. And I will continue to go to the VA.
Once you make the first step, they’ll be there to help you.
No matter what you may be experiencing, there is support for getting your life on a better track. Many, many Veterans have found the strength to reach out and make the connection.
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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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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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