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.
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 criminal behavior. 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