And really listen to what the needs are, the challenges are with that veteran or family. Ive had difficulties in the fact that i have nightmares. And so, in that situation of having those nightmares and having those flashbacks, um, it was very difficult for, for the reunion. Family members are, you know, are really impacted because they really sacrifice a lot while their spouse is in theater. You know, they are taking on a number of different roles, and so when their spouse returns, it is, it can be even more challenging. They come back and theyre, theyre in this heightened state of awareness. And their, you know, their adrenaline is rushing and now theyre supposed to come back and just flow into everyday life. In situations where we need to expedite something for a veteran to get va healthcare services, were able to really get those needs met timely. In the case of the veterans program, we do a lot of transportation to Mental Health appointments. And well try and get the vet to the pl
Its the only program that ive learned so much compared to the hearing program. That they use sign language, they show body language, and i really recommend those who are out there that really need help to come here. And its hard at the beginning, but once you go through it, it becomes easier. And i think that now it becomes really easy for me, and im still learning every day. Recovery is an ongoing process; its a continuous process through your whole lifespan, so its important to continue working on recovery. What i do to help people that are still in the program i support the newcomers and show how ive become sober, then explain what ive gone through. Im always inspired and proud to see when that happens. You know, comparing them to when they first came in, ill, they come in thin, and now, you know, they leave strong and full of hope. And their life is full of color. It works. It really works, but its not because just the staff or the place, it works because the person comes here and
Now, upon leaving treatment, the last time i was able to get into a closure recovery program, and i think for me, i know that many of the triggers for using were social, and so to have a group of friends who were also in recovery, where we could talk about what we were going through, and we could just have fun in recovery, was very vitally important for me to maintain my recovery. So, there would be an alternative way without drugs or alcohol . Yes. To really enjoy oneself . Absolutely. Very good. Vanna, in terms of your program, you know, we have to be realistic. What are some of the challenges in providing these types of support groups for people, for example, that may receive services from a Youth Service provider . Some of the challenges for young adults compared to adults is young people kind of step to dance to their own tune at their own time, so organizational, organized activities may be a little difficult, not that theyre not interested, but kind of getting them there and par
Joining us in our panel today are jennifer crane, Operation Enduring freedom veteran, outreach assistant, give an hour, coatesville, pennsylvania; dr. Barbara cohoon, deputy director, government relations, National Military family association, washington dc; dr. Mike haynie, executive director and founder, institute for veterans and military families, syracuse, ny; a. Kathryn power, samsha Strategic Initiative lead for military families and regional administrator region 1, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, u. S. Department of health and human services, boston, massachusetts. Kathryn, theres approximately 2. 3 million active military men and women and about 22 million vets. Um, talk to us a little bit about why military families are important to our national security. Well, i think that one of the most Important Reasons that we are paying attention to the military family is because we know that this particular conflict is taking a major toll on military Service
During this month by hosting events and also be engaged, not only with the family, but with those that are in recovery. I want to thank you for being here, and it was a very good show. Thank you. For a copy of this program or other programs in the road to recovery series, call samhsa at 1800662help, or order online at recoverymonth. Gov and click multimedia. Every september, National Recovery month provides an opportunity for communities like yours to raise awareness of Substance Use and Mental Health problems to highlight the effectiveness of treatment and that people can and do recover. In order to help you plan events and activities in commemoration of this years recovery month observance, the free recovery month kit offers ideas, materials, and tools for planning, organizing, and realizing an event or Outreach Campaign that matches your goals and resources. To obtain your copy of this years recovery month kit and gain access to other Free Publications and materials related to recov