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Topic: “Problems with Alcohol”

Read Stories > Topics > Problems with Alcohol

Learn more and watch videos of Veterans sharing their experiences with problems with alcohol and what they did to get on a path to recovery.

Mental Health Treatment Gives These Veterans a New Start

Addressing mental health challenges can open up new opportunities in family relationships, career pursuits, community connections and more. Veterans Tom, Michelle and Tony share the ways they blossomed after they sought treatment.

4-minute read

Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Military Sexual Trauma, Trouble Sleeping, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Problems with Alcohol

Navy Veteran Charts New Course After Substance Misuse

Drug and alcohol misuse and untreated symptoms of PTSD caught up to Rick when he was arrested after an incident at his home on Christmas Eve. This was the moment that prompted him to seek the treatment that turned his life around.

3-minute read

Problems with Drugs, Problems with Alcohol, Financial and Legal Issues, PTSD, Transitioning From Service

For These Married Veterans, Mental Health Is a Team Effort

Mike and Valerie faced different challenges following their military service. But they share a commitment to work through those challenges with mental health treatment, therapeutic activities and mutual support.

5-minute read

Family and Relationships, PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, Suicide, Problems with Alcohol, Anger and Irritability

Depression Is a Treatable Condition

Feeling hopeless is a symptom of depression, not a reflection of reality. Two Veterans explain how they overcame hopelessness and found support and treatments that turned their lives around.

4-minute read

Depression, Feelings of Hopelessness, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Problems with Alcohol

Veterans’ Next Mission: Serving Those Who Served

These Veterans took different paths after military service, but they arrived at the same destination: becoming part of a community and helping fellow Veterans. Hear their stories in the newly released Season Two of the Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast.

4-minute read

Transitioning From Service, Student Veterans, Financial and Legal Issues, PTSD, Jobs and Employment, Problems with Alcohol, Homelessness, Family and Relationships

Veteran’s Treatment Opens Up “Whole New Life”

Bill, a U.S. Army Veteran, waited 25 years to seek help with anger issues that stemmed from his wartime experiences. The treatment has now paid off for more than two decades.

4-minute read

Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, PTSD, Problems with Alcohol

Iraq War Veteran With PTSD Finds His Own Path to Peace

VA counseling helped Duane change his mindset about who he was and what he could achieve, empowering him to discover a new sense of purpose in the fashion industry.

3-minute read

PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Physical Injury, Student Veterans, Family and Relationships

LGBTQ+ Veterans Open Up About Hiding in Plain Sight

Veterans describe the difficulties of hiding their sexuality or gender identity while serving in the military and the freedom they found with mental health support.

3-minute read

Coming Out to Your Health Care Provider, Problems with Alcohol, Military Sexual Trauma, Jobs and Employment, PTSD

Veterans Connected by Experiences With Mental Health Care

This Mental Health Month, Veterans describe how mental health care changed their lives. Their feelings of hope and lightness are shared by many other Veterans.

3-minute read

Suicide, Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, Anger and Irritability, Problems with Alcohol

Veterans Are Proud of Sobriety and Improved Mental Health

Veterans Laura and George learned to manage their PTSD symptoms and stop drinking alcohol. Their stories are featured this Mental Health Month.

4-minute read

Problems with Alcohol, PTSD

After Treatment for Substance Misuse, a Veteran Gains a Sense of Purpose

A Veteran shares his story of substance use disorder, treatment and finding his place in the world after the Army.

4-minute read

Stress and Anxiety, Problems with Alcohol, Homelessness, Financial and Legal Issues

Finding Support From Fellow Veterans To Cope With Trauma

“I wish I would have done it sooner”: A Veteran’s story of seeking support from other Veterans and finding relief from memories of trauma.

4-minute read

Anger and Irritability, Nightmares, Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships

Trauma, Transitioning and Treatment

Two Veterans discuss the traumas of their combat service in Iraq, the difficulties they faced when they transitioned out of the U.S. Army, and the therapies that worked for them.

4-minute read

Nightmares, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trouble Sleeping, Problems with Alcohol

More Than Mental Health

Three Veterans talk about the surprising ways their lives changed as they started managing their mental health symptoms. Learn what these Veterans Know during Mental Health Month and all year round.

4-minute read

Transitioning From Service, Problems with Alcohol, Stress and Anxiety

Hope Heals

Through Veterans Treatment Court, Ray was ordered into mental health treatment. That’s when the Veteran’s life started to change.

3-minute read

Anger and Irritability, PTSD, Problems with Alcohol

Helping One Can Help Many

Kyle experienced PTSD after witnessing heavy combat casualties in Iraq, where he served as a Marine Corps field radio operator. His transition back into civilian life was rough and included a trip or two to jail and a couple of stays at psychiatric hospitals. Some caring Veterans intervened, urging him to get help at VA. That’s where Kyle learned how to manage his PTSD, and he now helps other Veterans find their footing.

2-minute read

PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Transitioning From Service

Saving a Life With Strength and Love

Nick and Felicia’s whirlwind romance was affected by the aftermath of his multiple combat deployments, PTSD, suicide attempts, and alcohol use. But instead of giving up, Felicia summoned her strength and told Nick he had to get help. Her support saved his life.

3-minute read

Problems with Alcohol, PTSD, Family and Relationships

Finding Direction Despite Difficulties

Alcohol use, stress, a major combat injury, and depression after his service in the Marine Corps led Marcus to ask for support. Through therapies and treatments, he learned that his experiences, no matter how bad they seemed, could help him become a better person.

3-minute read

Problems with Alcohol, Physical Injury, Depression

A Military Family’s Story of Support

Hear stories from a Veteran’s family about how shared experiences helped them learn to support each other in seeking mental health treatment.

3-minute read

Anger and Irritability, Problems with Alcohol, PTSD

Confronting the Aftermath of Military Sexual Trauma

Survivors of military sexual trauma can face a range of challenges, including substance misuse, feelings of depression, trouble sleeping, and more. But support for recovery is available.

5-minute read

Military Sexual Trauma, Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships

Help for Handling the Holidays

Be mindful of year-end holiday parties, outings, and traditions and the stress they may bring to your Veteran loved one.

3-minute read

Depression, Problems with Alcohol, Anger and Irritability

Be Mindful of Your Alcohol Use During the Holidays

Find resources to help Veterans cope with a drinking problem or maintain their sobriety around the holidays.

2-minute read

Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships, Homelessness

Steps for Getting a Better Night’s Sleep

Veterans’ sleep can be affected by traumatic experiences, a racing mind, or old military routines, but there are steps you can take to create a healthier sleep routine.

5-minute read

Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping, Feeling on Edge, Problems with Alcohol

“Don’t Give Up”

The continued support of her son has helped Agatha, a U.S. Army Veteran, address the anxiety she has faced since leaving military service.

4-minute read

Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Problems with Alcohol

One Veteran Continues To “Adapt and Overcome” After Military Service

After leaving the Army, Jesse spent two years drinking alcohol to forget his experience in Iraq. When his drinking cost him a job, he realized he wasn’t the person he wanted to be. That’s when his military training took over.

4-minute read

Jobs and Employment, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping, Problems with Alcohol

"There’s So Much Hope Out There"

Lucinda, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, used alcohol to try to dull the pain after the death of her son. Through counseling, she’s found purpose and passion in her life again.

4-minute read

PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Stress and Anxiety

An Army Infantryman’s Journey to Recovery

Hear how Tony, a U.S. Army infantryman, overcame problems with alcohol and PTSD with the support of his wife, Kacie.

3-minute read

PTSD, Problems with Alcohol

A Sister's Support

Jenny was there to support her brother David when he experienced posttraumatic stress disorder years after returning from Vietnam.

4-minute read

Family and Relationships, Problems with Alcohol

A Series of Chaotic Mistakes That Somehow Went Right

Rick, a U.S. Navy Veteran, overcame PTSD and problems with alcohol through cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and more.

3-minute read

PTSD, Problems with Drugs, Problems with Alcohol

The Moment When Recovery Begins

Mental Health Month can be the moment when all Veterans see that recovery is possible.

3-minute read

Family and Relationships, Problems with Alcohol

Today I’m Sober for 31 Years

Hear how John, a Vietnam Veteran of the U.S. Army, reached out for support on his path to three decades of sobriety.

3-minute read

Problems with Alcohol

My Story, My Connection: Self-Acceptance

Follow the journey of TJ — a U.S. Army Veteran who found self-acceptance and a new purpose to overcome his alcoholism.

2-minute read

Problems with Alcohol

After Decades, a Weight Is Lifted

After decades, a U.S. Navy Veteran finally confronts childhood sexual trauma.

5-minute read

Suicide, Problems with Alcohol

3 Generations of Navy Veterans Share Stories of Hope

Navy Veterans from three generations talk about their stories of mental health challenges and recovery.

4-minute read

Family and Relationships, Problems with Alcohol

All Rise: Veterans Treatment Courts Provide Valuable Help

Hear the inspirational story of Tim, an Air Force Veteran who found help and now supports others through Veterans Treatment Courts.

3-minute read

Problems with Alcohol, Financial and Legal Issues