Do you believe in second chances? David does. The U.S. Army Veteran experienced a personal loss that changed the course of his life, leading to crime, homelessness, substance misuse, and jail time. With the help of Veterans Treatment Court, group therapy, and other programs for Veterans, David now continues to grow and thrive.
View Video TranscriptSecond Chances
David: My name is David. I was in the army. My MOS was 11 Bravo. After 9/11 happened, I was in high school and I just always felt like I had to do something and I wanted to serve my country. It definitely takes an emotional toll on you. And a lot of times you're too young or stubborn to realize that's what's happening. I'd never done any counseling before. So, I couldn't really identify that it was causing trauma in a sense. I didn't really have a plan in place for what I wanted to do. I just knew I wanted to be out of the military.
So I went back to Arizona. I was living with my older brother. He's about two years older than me and he was my best friend. When I wasn't at work, I was usually with him. We'd spend Christmas together. And we're going out to ride our Harley's one day and I decided, I think I was hung over. I didn't want to go. So he left by himself and he never came back. He got in a motorcycle accident and fell into a coma and then passed away the next day. I knew I was in no condition to go back to work. I knew that the drugs and the alcohol taken a toll on me. I knew I did not look good. And if I would have even attempted to go back to work, people would have saw me and thought, what's going on? That's when I started smoking heroin, turned into a person I didn't even know anymore. It got to the point to where I had no money. I was broke. I was homeless and I had no way to fill my habit other than to commit crimes. The day I finally got arrested and it all came to a head, it was about five o'clock in the morning here in Las Vegas. I was sleeping in the car, and I'd gotten woken up by a police officer telling me to step out of the vehicle.
When I was in jail, I started taking some substance abuse classes just to try to learn more about it because I really wanted to stay clean. I had a really awesome attorney who himself was a veteran and he knew he'd gotten some veterans into veteran’s treatment court. Veterans’ treatment court is an awesome program. And upon successful completion of veteran’s treatment court, the state would dismiss all the charges against me. I started off with the intensive outpatient program, which was three times a week.
I'm in two groups, one at the vet center, and then one at the VA. I'm still in an addictive disorder treatment program and I attend an aftercare group. I've attended NA groups and AA groups. And I like going to the VA just because the relative experience I think plays a major factor in building a support system.
Days with my child are amazing. I go into the house and I hear her running down the stairs and she jumps from the third stairs and gives me a big hug and says dad! To have that interaction with my child, see her looking at me and smiling, the kid loves me so much, it's amazing.
In order to ask someone for help or seek treatment, you have to let go of your ego and that same self-esteem that you've had that sent you a confidence in the military. You have to submit to the fact that you have an addiction. The VA's there to help you 100%. All you have to do is call the VA and ask for help, and they will find a way 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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If you find yourself living with guilt or remorse about a past action or inaction, try to set aside time to think about your feelings. Remember that everyone has things they would have done differently—but no one can change the past or predict the future. Sometimes the experience is worse if you keep your feelings to yourself. Telling someone, like a family member or friend, about your regrets or guilty feelings can be a good first step to overcoming them. Learn more steps you can take on our Guilt page.
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Allowing social withdrawal or social isolation to continue unchecked will only make your situation more challenging. Consider reaching out to your family members, friends, or health care provider, even though it may be the last thing you feel like doing. Connect with Veterans' groups or participate in clubs or hobbies focused on something you like. Research shows that spending time talking with others improves your mood and has a positive effect on health. Learn more steps you can take on our Social Withdrawal and Isolation page.
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A flashback can be distressing for you and those around you. Try grounding yourself by focusing on details of your surroundings or neutral physical sensations, such as the feeling of your feet on the floor. Call someone you trust and tell them what is happening. Your family, friends, or health care provider may be able to provide support and help you deal with your flashbacks. Learn more steps you can take on our Flashbacks page.
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Noise or Light Irritation
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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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Nightmares
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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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High-Risk Activities
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What can I do about drinking or drug use?
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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Gambling
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Video Title: Gambling for the adrenaline rush
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If I’m experiencing a gambling problem, what can I do about it right away?
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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What can I do if I’ve noticed myself engaging in reckless behavior?
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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