Here is one link that lists the link that I'll include below it. I enclude this one for future reference in case they add more resources to the page:
www.aa-intergroup.org/directory_specialty.php?code=mil
and, it links to this page:
http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/3050096312001
Recently, while writing an article on PTSD, I came across: An organization that I have found that is already engaged in actively helping those that are suffering with PTSD, and that has much information that is helping me to learn more is:
www.ptsdhealing.org and
www.militaryministry.org
I'm hoping that some of the members here on the site that are Veterans will see your message and will jump in here to offer their support to.
Something else I'd like to mention is: Alcohol-ism is not a moral issue. It's a condition. Just like when someone has diabetes or a heart condition.
And, it's treatable.
If you hurt your back and you can't walk -- feeling guilty that your back is hurt & you can't walk -- isn't going to do anything to help. The same goes w/ alcohol-ism. I understand the guilt & remorse feelings. I was loaded up with them when I was newly sober and before sobriety because I thought my drinking was just bad and undisciplined behavior that I wasn't controlling. I later learned, that I didn't drink because of undiscipline or bad behavior after I became alcoholic (maybe before I did) ... but I drank because I was alcoholic.
There's an old saying that may have some truth in it, in regards to someone that has become alcoholic: First the man takes a drink. Then, the drink takes the man. And, after the drink takes the man -- the drink takes the drink. When an alcoholic takes a drink -- their body does not metabolize alcohol like a non-alcoholic body metabolizes alcohol. The alcoholic's body has what we call "an abnormal reaction" to alcohol. Some refer to it as "an allergy". If the alcoholic can find a way to not have the first drink -- he doesn't have to worry about taking the next drink. But, after he takes the first drink -- all bets are off -- because a condition in his/her body will set up what we call a "phenomenom of craving the next one."
Just not drinking the next first drink would be a simple solution -- which will work for some hard-drinkers -- but, not for the alcoholic.
A condition in the alcoholic's mind -- has learned at an unconscious level -- that when certain stimuli are present -- at which the alcoholic is most often unaware of -- because it's unconscious, or a certain feeling (emotion) comes up -- the only thing that will bring relief and comfort is alcohol.
For the alcoholic -- alcohol is not the problem -- it's a solution to the problem. So, they have to find a different solution.
They can't drink because they are alcoholic and it will kill them -- but they can't not drink because they've become alcoholic. A real live Catch 22. It finally progresses to a condition where they can't live with it and they can't live without it. They have to have a sufficient "substitute" for alcohol.
What AA offers is: A set of tools to use and a lifestyle -- that can remove the mental and emotional obsession with alcohol -- and allow the alcoholic to withdraw from alcohol and engage in sober healthy living without alcohol.
While there have been reports of instantaneous recoveries -- most of the time (nearly all that I know of, including myself) it takes time, and working the tools of the solution. And, it's simple -- but it sure isn't easy.
I hope I haven't over-loaded you with too much information! So, maybe I should end this here for now.
I would encourage you with everything within me -- if you suspect that your life is in danger (and reality: how could it not be in danger in a combat zone!) talk to a military doctor at once! Tell him that you used to drink for the fun of it or whatever -- but the drinking is not the fun that it may have been in the past. I'm sure the doc can refer to you get help. It's NOT a dishonorable thing to become alcoholic -- though it could lead to a dishonorable situation or death -- to not get it treated. Think of it like you would food poisoning. No need to feel guilty or bad or dishonorable to see the doc for food poisoning, right? Alcohol-ism is more serious than food poisoning. I've been told that combat docs are well versed in alcohol-ism -- but, they can't do anything to help a soldier until the soldier reaches out and asks for help.
And, once it's treated and you're in recovery -- you can get back to normal living while sober. The best years of your life and your career can be in front of you! Without treatment -- the best years will be history.
Dallas
