veterans

Transitioning from military service back to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans. Amidst the myriad changes, maintaining sobriety can be particularly daunting. Without the structured environment of active duty, some veterans struggle to cope with the freedoms and stresses of everyday life. This guide delves into practical strategies and resources that can empower veterans to embrace a sober lifestyle, helping them rebuild a life of stability and fulfillment.

Building a Supportive Network: The Power of Connection

One of the most effective ways to maintain sobriety is to cultivate a strong, supportive network. For veterans, this means connecting with peers who understand the unique challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. Engaging with local veteran groups, attending organizations’ meetings like Veterans Affairs (VA) support services, and participating in community activities can provide a solid foundation of support.

Creating this network isn’t just about attending meetings; it’s about forming meaningful relationships. Connecting with fellow veterans who are also committed to sobriety can offer a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. These relationships can be encouraged during difficult times and celebration during milestones. What’s more, sharing experiences and coping strategies can enhance everyone’s ability to stay on the path to recovery.

Managing Stress: Techniques for Inner Peace

The pressures of adapting to civilian life can be overwhelming, leading some veterans to turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. Acknowledging and addressing these stressors head-on is vital for maintaining sobriety. Meditation, exercise, and therapy are excellent tools for managing stress and maintaining mental health.

A concerning statistic highlights the urgency of this issue: 1 in 5 veterans say this past year has been the most challenging of their lives (post-combat). The weight of this statement cannot be overstated. It underscores the critical need for effective stress management strategies. Finding a method that works can make a significant difference in a veteran’s recovery journey, whether it’s yoga, mindfulness, or regular physical activity. Seeking professional help through intensive counseling and therapy can provide strategies to deal with stress in healthier ways, avoiding the pitfalls of substance abuse.

The Importance of Routine: Structuring Success

For many veterans, the military provided a structured environment that dictated daily activities and responsibilities. In civilian life, the absence of such a structure can feel disorienting. Establishing a new routine is a key step in sober living, providing stability and predictability to ease the transition.

Creating a daily schedule that includes time for work, relaxation, exercise, social activities, and self-care can significantly enhance a veteran’s ability to maintain sobriety. It’s not just about filling time; it’s about creating a balanced life where healthy habits can flourish. For instance, setting regular meal times, workout sessions, and even scheduled periods for hobbies or volunteering can help replicate the structured environment that veterans are accustomed to. This routine keeps one busy and reduces the likelihood of boredom, which can often lead to relapse.

Embracing New Opportunities: The Ocean Ridge Difference

Finding purpose beyond the military is crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Engaging in new opportunities for personal growth and career advancement can provide a new sense of purpose and fulfillment. Many organizations and programs designed for veterans can help in this transition, offering resources and guidance.

One example is the veterans program at Ocean Ridge, a sanctuary for those seeking to reshape their post-military lives. This program specifically tailors its resources to meet the unique needs of veterans striving for sobriety. By focusing on holistic recovery, including mental health support, career counseling, and community-building activities, the veterans program at Ocean Ridge can be the lifeline our struggling vets need. This initiative helps individuals reclaim control over their lives and restores their sense of community and purpose, which are often lost after leaving the service.

Lifelong Learning: Keeping the Mind Engaged

Continual learning and development are critical aspects of maintaining sobriety and mental health. Many veterans find that pursuing new skills or continuing education can significantly impact their self-esteem and overall outlook on life. Whether it’s taking a college course, learning a trade, or engaging in workshops that enhance personal or professional skills, education is a powerful tool for empowerment.

Veterans might also consider becoming mentors or speakers, sharing their experiences and insights with others facing similar challenges. This not only aids their recovery process but also contributes positively to the community and provides a sense of achievement and contribution.

A Journey of Courage and Commitment

Maintaining sobriety is a dynamic and continuous process requiring dedication, resilience, and strategies. For veterans, the journey might be fraught with unique challenges, but with the right support, tools, and mindset, it is entirely possible to lead a fulfilling, sober life. By leveraging their strengths, embracing support, and continuously seeking growth, veterans can successfully navigate the transition to civilian life and enjoy the peace and prosperity they deserve.

When it comes to home care services for senior veterans, there are options. Veterans Care Coordination (VCC), founded by Kyle Laramie, is a company that assists senior servicemembers, their families, and surviving spouses in navigating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs application process, which can result in reimbursement for home care. Oftentimes, VCC will front the cost of home care while the applicant awaits approval from the VA. This enables qualifying seniors to receive home care in a much faster manner.

For seniors, aging at home contributes to better health outcomes and a higher level of independence. VCC has received countless positive reviews and testimonials from veterans who rely on in-home support.

In 2019, the VA established an initiative to keep older veterans like 92-year-old World War II veteran Gerald Bennett in their homes by pairing them with volunteer companions. This program is designed to assist with everyday tasks and combat loneliness.

Gerald Bennett, residing in a senior-focused San Antonio apartment community, cherishes his independence. Despite considering assisted living, Bennett prefers the autonomy of his own home, stating that he doesn’t require the extensive support often associated with such facilities. However, the absence of his late wife and the distance from his children can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation.

Enter Gloria Estrello, a 70-year-old volunteer from the same apartment complex, who has become an indispensable part of Bennett’s life. Their companionship began in early 2019, providing Bennett not only with help in cooking and cleaning but also with a friend to share conversations and activities, like card games. Estrello’s presence also offers peace of mind to Bennett’s daughter, Carol Lillegard, who resides in Vermont and appreciates the regular updates and attentive care her father receives.

This arrangement is part of the Choose Home Senior Corps program, a pilot project launched in five cities by the Department of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with the Corporation For National and Community Service. With a $2 million investment, the program aims to recruit and train volunteers over 55 to assist in the homes of veterans, enhancing their quality of life and allowing them to age in place comfortably.

The program not only provides essential companionship but also alleviates the physical and emotional burdens on family caregivers, often preventing premature institutionalization. Kelley Gallant, who oversees the program’s volunteers in San Antonio, emphasizes the critical role of social interaction in maintaining the health and well-being of the elderly.

The initiative reflects a broader effort by the VA to address the growing need for long-term care among the aging veteran population, which is increasingly preferring to live out their later years at home. With nursing home costs rising significantly, programs like Choose Home are seen as cost-effective and respectful ways to honor veterans’ preferences.

VA Undersecretary Teresa Boyd has highlighted to Congress the urgent need for expanding home-based care services, pointing out the cost advantages and quality improvements possible in such settings.

As the program gains momentum, with demands for volunteers already outstripping supply in cities like San Antonio, there is hope for expansion. The success of the Choose Home Senior Corps could pave the way for a new standard in caring for America’s aging veterans, providing them with the dignity, respect, and support they deserve in their own homes.