While serving with the USMC, Lisa struggled with substance use and got drug and alcohol treatment. Her drug use continued when she got out. Later, she was sexually assaulted by a co-worker. She stopped going to work and got a DUI. Then she entered treatment and later joined a VA women’s group. Lisa reached out and is now sober and is living well.
View Video TranscriptLisa:
My name is Lisa, and I served in the United States Marines from December 1980 to December 1983, and I was stationed in Paris Island, Camp Lejeune, and Okinawa. I ended up dropping out of college, and I kind of looked around and said, you know this is not what I want. I recognized that I was a reckless teenager, and that I needed to get some discipline. And so, I joined the Marine Corp. It was the best thing that I could have ever done in my life, and if I had to do it all over again, I would do it again. I learned a lot there, and the skills that I learned are still valuable and work for me today in my life.
Before I got out, I actually went to drug and alcohol treatment. So, I got out of the Marine Corp my time was up, maybe about a month after I got out of the treatment facility. So then, I was drugging and I was working as a security guard, and I was sexually assaulted by one of the armed guards there, and I just went blank. I lost about six hours of time, and so I didn’t go back to work, and then that’s when I first sought treatment for sexual violence in the workplace. And then, when I saw the people there, I thought gee, I don’t have it as bad as they do, so I diminished what was you know happening with me.
One day, I was at my brother’s house, and it was after a Raider’s game, and I was drinking, and I decided to drive home. I could have walked home. I only lived about a mile. I ended up getting a DUI. I spent 30 days in treatment. I went there January 2nd, 2004, and I’ve been sober ever since.
One of the first things that I learned at treatment was that anger is resentment, and resentment is anger, and it can kill you, and I had a lot of resentments, and I had a lot of anger, and it was from all the things that have happened to me over the years. And so, being in that alcohol treatment program helped me to pinpoint those issues and work on those things.
My treating healthcare physician recommended that I go to this mental health group. They had a women’s support group there. And so, that’s when I started in the VA mental health group. I got a lot of support there, because the other Veterans know what it was like in those experiences, and they could relate better, but I had a really good experience with the psychologist there. He was a man, and of course I had some I guess fears or obstructions of opening up to a man, but I was just ready to get this stuff out. He diagnosed me with PTSD and major depression disorder, and I started getting medication for that, for anxiety and mood disorder. It was validating what I was feeling and telling me that it was okay.
When I walked out of that treatment facility, I felt like I had a new outlook on life, a new freedom, and a new happiness. It just doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be willing to look at your part in things, and it’s a lifetime process. It’s okay to ask for help. That’s the one other thing that I learned when I went to treatment, that it’s okay to ask for help.
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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If you are experiencing dizziness, lie down for a few minutes with your head slightly elevated. Lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, getting enough rest, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can help. Medications and medical conditions such as heart disease or ear issues can also cause dizziness; consult a medical provider if you get dizzy on a regular basis. If you suddenly lose function in part of your body (e.g., arm weakness, face drooping, difficulty speaking) along with experiencing vertigo, this can indicate a serious problem, such as a stroke. Call 911 and seek medical help immediately. Learn more steps you can take on our Dizziness page.
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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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