Topic: “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.
“Today’s the Day”
Kelly remained in denial about drinking’s toll on her life after retiring from the Air Force Reserve. Then a doctor’s warning, her best friend’s candor, and a Vet Center visit propelled the Veteran to the treatment she needed to turn her life around.
3-minute read
Problems with Alcohol, Transitioning From Service, Family and Relationships
20 Questions Changed This Veteran’s Life
A traumatic experience in Vietnam left Bud, an Army Veteran, with PTSD symptoms and a drinking problem. A wake-up call about his drinking led him to get help and rebuild his life.
3-minute read
PTSD, Spirituality, Problems with Alcohol
“It’s OK To Talk About These Experiences”
After military service that included a catastrophic helicopter crash on his ship, Arafat experienced PTSD that harmed his relationships and led to unhealthy alcohol use. Therapy and family support helped him start his journey toward healing.
3-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships
Therapy and Golf Help Keep Navy Veteran on Course
Paul’s drinking and drug use cost him his marriage and friends. Therapy helped the Veteran face his problems, begin his healing journey, and refocus on giving to others. Golfing also provides some of the camaraderie he had been missing.
3-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships
Vietnam Veterans Share Their Mental Health Journeys
Vietnam Veterans recount how hostile receptions at home kept them from talking about their service and its personal impact—and how their decisions to reach out for mental health treatment, years or decades later, made a difference in their lives.
2-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Transitioning From Service
Whole Health Approach Paves Veteran’s Path to Sobriety
“Being sober has given me life,” says Alison, a Marine Corps Veteran whose alcohol use disorder derailed her career and motherhood. She got her life back on track by addressing her drinking and mental health challenges simultaneously.
4-minute read
Problems with Alcohol, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Homelessness, Military Sexual Trauma
Mental Health Care Inspires Veterans To Embrace New Passions
This Mental Health Month, learn how some Veterans pursued treatment that helped them empower their recovery, manage their symptoms, embrace their passions, and improve their lives.
5-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Problems with Alcohol
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
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