Drug Addiction and the VA
By Ellen M. Kozel
I have a girlfriend who is very dear to me. For many years she was clean from a past drug and alcohol addiction. I hadn’t seen her for several months and one day she came to my house and told me she had relapsed and needed help. I convinced her to go to the VA. She agreed if I would go with her. So we went to the VA and she saw a counselor at mental health who recommended she go in as inpatient for 3 months. This would restrict her to the grounds for that period. She said she would do an outpatient program instead because she believed she could do this on her own. For the sake of this article her name will be Jane.
Well, Jane came out and told me her alternatives of outpatient and inpatient. I told her that I thought inpatient was the way to go. She argued with me she couldn’t do it, she could do this on her own and didn’t or couldn’t be tied to the VA grounds for 3 months. For weeks on end she did try outpatient, but I didn’t see any improvement. We fought continuously as I kept insisting that she go in as an inpatient. She even told me that I wasn’t her friend anymore and she never wanted to see me again.
A few weeks later, Jane came to me and said she wanted to go inpatient. She said it was not because of what I said but she felt she may do better there. I know in my heart that it was my persistence that got her there, but she needed to save face.
Jane was accepted into the VA’s inpatient drug rehab program. I kept visiting her during this time. I could see improvement in her as the weeks rolled by, so I just kept encouraging her.
Towards the end of her three month stay we talked about the program. Jane’s persona at this time was back to the Jane that I knew. Her comments were that the VA’s program was greater than any drug rehab program she attended in the past. Her comments were that besides the classes on drug addiction, they work with the veterans to improve their self-image. She said she went through a PTSD program, had other programs that worked on her self-image and plus they had programs on budget management, socializing and developing work ethics.
Jane said the program taught her a lot about herself and helped her see ways towards self- improvement she had never received before. She was so grateful for going in as an inpatient. She is still there as they are now giving classes that she wants to attend to improve her-self.
The changes in my girlfriend are so great to see her smile and be herself again. I think the right decision was made and the benefits were great. I tell this story because I want others to know about this program. If you’re hooked on drugs or alcohol or know a friend that is you should encourage yourself or your friend to participate in this program. This VA program can save a life. It can turn your life around.
Jane’s recovery is dramatic, and anyone attending the program with a positive attitude to change their lives this program seems to do it. We now joke about how she fought all the way to go inpatient and now she won’t leave. It’s great what this program has done for her.