Karem was exposed to direct combat experiences while serving in Iraq. He was stressed and lost a lot of weight during his deployment. When he got home, he felt on edge, and he drank heavily. Family members urged him to get support. Treatment helped him find healthy ways to cope, and he summoned the strength to work through his challenges.
View Video TranscriptKarem:
My name is Karem and I am a United States Air Force Veteran. My first career field in 1998 to 2002 was Security Forces, after that I retrained to information management. Dealing with the information management portion, that is when I got deployed.
My mission, at that time, was dealing with communications, uploading classified pictures of wounded soldiers, and a lot of people who was on those pictures I knew. I was stationed at other bases as well, and the pictures were very graphic.
Before I went on a deployment, I was 145 pounds, came back 127 pounds. I was so stressed, I couldn’t sleep. I was hearing noises in my home. I would be scared, I would check doors and locks. It was just so frustrating for me and as far as a lot of vivid images, so what I did, I started drinking.
Before I went to the desert, I would have a can or a drink here and there, but at that time, I became dependent on alcohol, even before I went to work. I would use that to kind of cope, for me, kind of get some decent rest at night. Then I had a supervisor who encouraged me to seek some type of help. Even though he encouraged me, at that time, I still didn’t do it. I had family members, and once my family members encouraged me, I sought some help. I wanted a better lifestyle for myself. I see how it was hurting my family members. I would go distant. I would pretty much isolate myself. If I had a female companion, I really wouldn’t want to be around her, I’d probably want to be to myself.
One of the first programs I was in, they called it a Track program. It’s a group therapy session, but that program, you must stay sober. They don’t want anything to interfere with the treatment process. I went through some posttraumatic stress disorder courses, therapy, exposure therapy. I was provided medications, were to help calm my nerves a lot. What I thought at first, these medicines is not going to help, but it did help. It helped me to concentrate more on everyday life.
I still have problems from time to time, but now I know how to cope with them or just be able to accept it. That’s the hard part. Accept that I do have an issue, but I can work through it. It’s worth it. It’s worth it big time. It’s worth it in my opinion because I have been sober now as of August 2011. I am a little more focused then what I was before, because before, my attention span was very short. I couldn’t even read just a simple magazine excerpt.
I do understand it is an everyday battle, but I kind of relate it as when I was in the desert. I didn’t give up in that combat environment, so I am not going to give up on a PTSD treatment. So if you want a better lifestyle for yourself, it’s a blessing, and Veterans do have help. So it can’t hurt anything, it’s only going 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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Learn what triggers episodes of noise or light irritation. Try making adjustments to computer and TV screens, and ensure you get the right amount of sleep. If you're taking medication and want to know if it could be affecting your sensitivity to noise or light, talk to your doctor. Certain drugs or medications may cause vision or hearing problems. Never stop taking a prescription without first consulting a medical professional. Learn more steps you can take on our Noise or Light Irritation page.
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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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