Drugs Destroy

Some people are concerned about passing finals, some people are concerned what to wear for Halloween and still there are others who are concerned about what they want for lunch. The residents at Three Hots and a Cot (THC) have given me more insight into the everyday struggles that people face that many of us take for granted. Where am I going to sleep? What can I find to eat? How do I keep warm and safe? These are questions and fears that many people face each night in this country and roughly up to 25 percent of them are veterans.

One resident at THC that I spoke with was homeless for eleven days and he told me that was the first time that he had ever been homeless. In fact, he once owned a home, car, and had a wife and kids but as with so many other homeless veterans he struggled with substance abuse. He lost his home, his job, and eventually his family because of drugs; specifically methamphetamines. This man served in the armed forces and was highly trained and skilled but for one reason or another, drugs took hold of his life . The question that keeps running through my head is “why?” Was he predisposed to substance abuse due to his environment prior to joining the military or did combat related situations play in a role for his substance abuse? These are questions that I hope I can come closer to understanding and I do realize that my time resources are limited but have already learned so much from residents. I look forward to working with them in the future.

Enjoying My Time

These past two weeks have been exceptionally exciting in that I have met with The Red Barn organization with the hopes of getting the veterans that I work with some equestrian therapy. After visiting The Red Barn’s beautiful and tranquil facilities and meeting with Mrs. O’Neal, I feel as though this would be a wonderful experience for everyone involved. The veterans are definitely interested in going; it’s only been a matter of scheduling. Every week that I go to Three Hots and a Cot I seem to learn something new about the human condition that amazes me.

It’s easy for people to get wrapped up into the negativity that can often times bring someone down. Substance abuse, PTSD, and homelessness just to name a few but with that said, the courage, resolve, ingenuity, and hope that these veterans are instilled with is equally amazing and encouraging. Even after the life altering experiences these men and women have experienced you can see the goodness and kindness in their eyes. I feel blessed every time I work with them and I hope that I am helping them as much as they are helping me.

 

HOMELESS VETERANS ON THE STREETS OF AMERICA

The path to recovering from PTSD

 

 

Recovery homes make a difference in the lives of displaced veterans. These “group homes” or “recovery homes” create an atmosphere that is conducive to helping veterans who are suffering from substance abuse issues receive appropriate therapy and in turn can remain abstinent longer. Recovery homes are a great place to assist these veterans into reintegrating back into mainstream society by becoming independent. Statistics show that abstinent rates are greater in these settings than returning combat veterans trying to “go it alone”. Support is crucial for these veterans and therefore the financial and spiritual support that anyone can offer to any of these facilities are truly appreciated. These group homes are often started up by recovered veterans who wish to make a difference and offer the best assistance because they know what these veterans are going through from first hand experiences. I’ve seen the good that Three Hots and a Cot has done, and is still doing for displaced veterans and I look forward to contributing in any way I can in the future. I encourage anyone else who wishes to support the men and women of the armed forces by remembering these various organizations.

 

 

Reference:

Millar, J. R., Aase, D. M., Jason, L. A., & Ferrari, J. R. (2011). Veterans Residing in Self-Governed Recovery Homes for Substance Abuse: Sociodemographic and Psychiatric Characteristics. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 35(2), 141-144.