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.