Posted on Sep 5, 2014
1SG Company First Sergeant
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This is an issue I am dealing with currently. I had a friend/coworker that I have known since 2005. They are now retired from active duty. Just a few months prior to retirement I started noticing things just were not the same. After much observation, a few visits to their house (which was not unusual), and some conversations, It was apparent that alcohol had taken control of them. I talked to them and we both decided that ASAP was the best course of action. Talked to the 1SG and commander and they were fully supportive. Once enrolled into ASAP it was very apparent to them (ASAP personnel) that the issue was severe. The Soldier was enrolled into an inpatient rehab and stayed there for a little more than a month.

Since retirement I would see them every once in a while and talk to them often still. When I would see them in person I would always ask how things were going as far as the drinking goes. Everything was great and hadn't had a drop. This was also evident in the healthy weight loss that was easily seen as well as just the mood of this person in general. So yesterday at work, this individual came to visit. I had a feeling something wasn't right. We talked for a while in the office, then they said they were leaving. I walked out with them and talked a little more in the parking lot. I asked my normal question about drinking and to my surprise the answer was "well it ain't going so good". I got two calls last night, one around midnight and one around 0300. I didn't hear the phone but called back as soon as I was awake at 0500 this morning.

So my question is, what can I do? What programs are offered to retired veterans? I want to help this individual despite being a little upset. I can put my personal feelings aside, that is not an issue. I just want to know that they are going to be OK, and that WE did all we can do.
Posted in these groups: F29d64b Friends14205b21 Substance Use
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Responses: 4
SGT Katrina Clark
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I would try MilitaryOneSource and the VA. Otherwise there are so many civilian places to go, but then you would have to consider cost burdens.
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SFC Mark Merino
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1SG (Join to see) I'll be the first to admit that I got over my head with drinking. The first 5 years post military is easy for everyone post OIF/OEF to get help with the VA. After that, service connected troops can get help through them as well. They have outpatient and inpatient hospitals. The VA has considerable influence over their service connected veterans. If you draw disability for certain issues (psychiatric for one), they can order someone into a program. I lived in AZ but the VA flew me to CA for their PTSD hospital. The next building over was the inpatient substance abuse hospital. There is always AA, but in my opinion, AA without therapy is far less effective. You are a good friend. Way to look out for a brother.
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SFC Lloydwatkins Kahaloa
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Its a difficult path but, being a caring friend and with the same experience, wanting to help gives one not just the understand or feel he/she may be going through but, the know how. There are many approaches as SFC(P) (Verify To See) did and it work. Others aren't that easy nor cooperative. So, there is one thing I've learned is that you can't give in and its a discussion. If professional help is need Please don't hesitate. Been Overseas both as a Soldier and civilian contractor and its never the same.
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