Karl missed the camaraderie of the Army and started having problems with alcohol and drugs, including heroin. After a stint in prison, he went to VA for substance use and mental health treatment. With treatment, Karl has achieved stability and sobriety. He hopes his story will bring hope to other Veterans.
View Video TranscriptKarl:
My name is Karl. I served in the United States Army from the years 1979 through 1982. My MOS was an infantryman as well as radio operator. After I felt as comfortable with the military as I did at home before and after I got out.
The camaraderie of guys I met, you know, from all over the United States, that was one part of it. But then again, too, I guess I got too comfortable. How can I put this? Personal responsibility. Some of us had it and some of us didn’t. When I look back on it, I don’t think I was one that did.
I went home let me see, it wasn’t a good month, month and a half. I was hired by this printing company and then I got involved in not just alcohol but the harder drugs as well, notably heroin. And it was taking me down, you know, a nowhere street. Dealing with the heroin, dealing with the harder drugs, I mean, you’re talking about more money, more problems. That’s not a road I wanted to go down.
My very first treatment was in-patient. It wasn’t, it wasn’t at the VA. I had to go to treatment because it was part of my parole. As a matter of fact, it had gotten to the point where I went to prison. Did two years—winded up doing a two-year stretch.
I stayed in treatment for 35 days. And the counsellors always recommend when treatment is over that you start going to outside meetings. It’s more or less Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous. You know, first couple times I went around, I might go for a month. Got tired of it. You know, it took quite a few years before I actually got treatment for it through the VA.
I was coming back to the VA for out-patient treatment and mental health treatment because I had a psychiatrist I was seeing. I mean, it was, it was good for me. I kept, I kept good contact with the psychiatrist who was instrumental in helping me deal with my anger. Also, the out-patient treatment, I was dealing with that at the hospital, which was five days a week. I could go to classes there, helping me deal with, like I said, not just my anger but what, you know, the physical aspects of what alcohol does to the body.
You know, as time went on, day by day by day, what helped was in that, by my going to meetings, they helped me get a lot more stable. You know, fortunately, good for me, I’d been off of it the last three and a half years. So, you know, it’s, you know, it’s wonderful.
And I say, any soldiers out there, look, the help, the help is there. Any fellow soldiers that’s in my shoes, I mean, you know, don’t give up hope. I mean, I don’t know how to say it, but I could do it. You know, you can do.
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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