Topic: “Problems with Drugs”
Learn more and watch videos of Veterans sharing their experiences with problems with drugs and what they did to get on a path to recovery.
One Simple Question Kick-Started Veteran’s Recovery
Mario’s unhealthy use of alcohol and pain medication contributed to his discharge from the Marines and a downward spiral that included depression and time in prison. After Mario asked about his options for support as a Veteran, he received VA residential rehabilitation care and ketamine treatment that helped him get back on his feet.
3-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Transitioning From Service, Homelessness, Financial and Legal Issues
Therapy and the Arts Lead Veteran to Sobriety and Purpose
Jenny used heroin and alcohol to try to cope with military sexual trauma and PTSD. Therapy, writing, and theater gave her healthier ways to address these issues, and sobriety empowered her to bring healing to others.
3-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, Problems with Drugs
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
At a Low Point, Veteran Finds a Path to Sobriety and Success
After a troubled end to a promising Navy career, Manuel’s drug use led him to crime and a lengthy prison term. Now he’s hoping the story of his journey back to success will prove to other Veterans that change is possible for anyone.
3-minute read
Financial and Legal Issues, Problems with Drugs, Family and Relationships, Student Veterans
Mental Health Care Options Give Veterans Many Ways To Heal
The stories that Ryan, Greg, and Bridget are sharing for Mental Health Month show there are many treatment paths Veterans can take to reach the same destination: enjoying a fuller life.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical Injury, Flashbacks, Depression, Nightmares
Veteran Pays It Forward After Substance Misuse Treatment
After experiencing decades of despair and drug misuse, Kevin found treatments that empowered him to rebuild his life and relationships. He also found a new purpose: helping other Veterans with substance use disorder navigate their obstacles to recovery.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Homelessness, Feelings of Hopelessness, Family and Relationships
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
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
Veteran Finds Fulfilling Life After Cancer Diagnosis
This Marine Veteran survived cancer, homelessness and isolation with the help of therapy, community and fencing.
4-minute read
Physical Injury, Homelessness, Problems with Drugs, Depression
Finding Her Direction
Mary Ann’s focus on her children kept her motivated to seek and stick with VA treatment for substance use disorder and severe depression. The Navy Veteran found recovery, housing and a fulfilling job — all thanks to the treatment she had been avoiding for years.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Depression, Family and Relationships, Homelessness
Lost and Found
David largely ignored the emotional toll of his military service, but he could not ignore the loss of his older brother a short time after David transitioned out. Aimless and alone, David took a self-destructive path of drug and alcohol misuse and reckless behavior that led to jail time. In the court system, he found treatment for substance use disorder and a navigated a new path.
3-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Homelessness, Financial and Legal Issues
Better Together
Hear how this Veteran couple restored their mental health and their marriage through treatment.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships, Physical Injury, Problems with Drugs
Losses Led to Recovery
While serving in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, Daniel turned to drugs and alcohol after the suicide of his best friend. Several years later, it was the death of another loved one that moved Daniel to regain control of his life.
4-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Drugs, Anger and Irritability
What Does “Treatment” Mean for You?
For a Veteran facing a mental health challenge, the term “treatment” can mean counseling, medication, self-help approaches, peer support services, or some combination of those options.
4-minute read
Trouble Sleeping, Depression, Problems with Drugs
Small Steps Lead to Big Strides
It can feel daunting to start a conversation or take a first step toward helping a loved one who’s facing a mental health challenge. Family members of Veterans share their stories and the lessons they’ve learned about making a difference.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Depression
Helping Hands
Serving as a Navy Seabee, Phillip escaped certain death when an unseen hand rescued him from a mudslide in Honduras. A decade later, when he found himself mired in PTSD, anger, aggression, and drug use, it was VA that pulled him up. Now, Phillip is a state-certified peer specialist, offering a helping hand to other Veterans in crisis.
5-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Nightmares, Homelessness
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
“I Did It. You Can Do It Too.”
La Wanda, a U.S. Navy Veteran, opens up about her journey through substance misuse and addiction to help other Veterans.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Financial and Legal Issues
"He's My Best Friend Now"
Follow the journey of Ed and his daughter Jasmine — from his drug use and homelessness to one phone call that changed everything.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Homelessness
After Crashing, Stephen Found a Community
Stephen had substance use issues and posttraumatic stress disorder. Now a community of support is helping him follow his dream of working in the mental health field.
4-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Drugs
“Today, I Welcome the Day In”
Vernon, a U.S. Army Veteran, found support for coping with the effects of a traumatic training accident and problems with drugs.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs
Better, Together
Cheryl helps her partner, Jerry, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, overcome addictions.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs
In Search of Relief, Doug Found a New Problem: Addiction
Doug, a U.S. Army Veteran, battled addiction to opioids before finding help.
5-minute read
Problems with Drugs
Veterans: Choose Strength Over Silence
The latest Make the Connection video, "Strength Over Silence," highlights stories of how Veterans used their voices and reached out for mental health treatment to improve their lives.
3-minute read
Jobs and Employment, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping
Four Stories That Will Inspire You This Mental Health Awareness Month
Servicemembers continue to inspire us after their military service. Read four inspiring stories of Veterans who overcame challenges such as PTSD and problems with drugs.
6-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, Flashbacks, Transitioning From Service