Overcoming addiction with courage and community, a story of deflection | va finger lakes health care | veterans affairs

Jason Burrell, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and former addict, found himself faced with a critical life-altering situation.  While involved in the Chemung County Veteran Treatment Court, Mr.

Burrell received a sanction and was at risk of being discharged with potential prison time. During his court appearance, the VA Finger Lakes Veteran Justice Outreach (VJO) Program

Coordinator advocated for him to be released to the care of VA Finger Lakes, entering the Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (DRRTP) in place of incarceration.  Mr.

Burrell was granted the opportunity to seek help at the Bath VA Medical Center and was immediately transported to the DRRTP, where he would receive the necessary support and treatment for

his recovery. At first, Jason saw the admission as a way to avoid prison and thought rehab was a joke. As treatment progressed, he started appreciating small things like warm meals,

recreational programs, a low-stress environment, and camaraderie. Jason stated that he “wanted to stay longer than one month because it offered hope, and it was a really neat place to be and

escape from life as an addict." Over time, Jason started to grow and enjoy life without substances. He took treatment seriously and found new hope to live a life of sobriety. Creating

and sustaining friendships, developing coping skills, and building a lifelong support system, Jason continued to progress, building a new life for himself.  Mr. Burrell took full advantage

of the services offered at VA Finger Lakes, transitioning to a more independent life. He participated in the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program to obtain a job, learn new skills, and

gain a better appreciation for hard work. Mr. Burrell also worked with the HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing) team, finding him safe and stable housing, while

preventing homelessness. According to Jason, the HUD-VASH program "took a lot of stress out of my life to focus on treatment." Surrounded by professionals and a team dedicated to

helping Veterans like him, Jason felt a renewed sense of hope and purpose. VA Finger Lakes treatment programs work cohesively to form a Deflection team, a collaborative intervention

connecting public safety and public health to create a pathway for Veterans who may need help with substance abuse, mental health concerns, or both, without entering the justice system. 

Jason Burrell's story is a testament to the power of personal will, drive, and dedication, combined with the proper support. Jason ultimately graduated from all the VA programs and the

Chemung County Veteran Treatment Court. He currently describes himself as happy without drugs, with a greater appreciation for life, and now a magnet for friends and family.