My name is David M and I served this country in the Army from September 2002 – April 2013. I thought I had my life together until drugs and alcohol took everything from me. Luckily, this is not where my story ends. Once I got the courage to ask for help, I was able to get my life back. Here is how I did it!
Who knew?
When I joined the Army back in 2002 I never thought I would be checking into my 4th inpatient residential treatment center by 2021. I definitely didn’t know that the VA had treatment facilities for veterans who struggle with addiction and alcoholism. Who knew there are dozens of VA Treatment Facilities all over the nation?
Snowballed
No one wakes up one day and thinks, “I want to be a meth addict and an alcoholic.” Over time I developed bad habits that snowballed into a full blown methamphetamine addiction. This brought me to the darkest days of my life.
Experiencing homelessness
My addiction took everything from me. And I mean everything. Throughout my addiction, I had lost jobs over and over. For the longest time, I would rebound and get another job. I was so tired of having to rebound that I finally gave up and just stopped trying. I soon became homeless and that was a very scary place to be.
Rock bottom
They say that everyone’s rock bottom is different. And I had plenty of rock bottom moments that should have been “The One”. I kept comparing myself to others which kept me out. I was finally sick and tired of being sick and tired, when I was getting evicted from my sixth apartment in a year and a half. I had to be out by Nov 30th and I had no clue on where I was going to go.
Burning bush moment
On Nov 18th, 2020 my niece was born. My mom messaged me saying “You’re an uncle again!” I had completely forgotten my brother and sister-in-law were expecting another child. IT WOKE ME UP!! I really wanted to meet that little lady. I knew I was living the wrong story and I needed to change.
Detox / Inpatient Rehab
I completed St. Christopher’s Addiction and Wellness, a 30 day treatment facility, in Baton Rouge, LA. I knew that wasn’t enough time, so I went to my VA doctor and she referred me to the Bonham Domiciliary. The VA saved my life! In February 2021 I checked into my second inpatient rehab at the Bonham Domiciliary. I didn’t even know that was an option for veterans until I finally asked for help.
Life today
My life is beyond my wildest dreams. I recently celebrated 2 years of sobriety and I couldn’t be happier. I work a rigorous program of recovery through the 12 Steps of CMA. I not only have a place to live, but I own it! All of this is possible because I decided to reach out and ask for a little help.
Asking for help is tough, but we are here for you!
Reach out to us, anytime – 903-609-0544
The only mistake you can make is not asking for help.
– Sandeep Jauhar
