One veteran’s story of going from substance abuse to sobriety | va north texas health care | veterans affairs

A Veteran’s journey of hope and redemption. Michael McNabb’s substance to sobriety story begins with his service in Iraq. With the help of a supportive Army recruiter, he obtained a GED and

was soon an infantryman. Shortly after reporting to his first unit, he was on his way to Tikrit. Speaking of deployment, he said that “Some days were good and we would go out and do great

things, and others were not so good.” It was after returning home that McNabb struggled to re-acclimate to civilian life. He turned to alcohol to cope with his feelings about himself and his

memories, and later began using a synthetic drug. “It shut off my brain. Everything I wanted to escape from went away,” he said. ENJOYING SOBRIETY SINCE 2014 After several attempts at

rehabilitation and multiple altercations with family and law enforcement, McNabb eventually returned to where his VA journey started: the Bonham Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation

Program. This time it stuck. McNabb has been sober since 2014. “Something about this place, the people here, especially the peers, [it] helped me overcome some tough times,” he said. Today,

McNabb works as an Environmental Management Service specialist at the Bonham Domiciliary where he helps keep the place clean and helps other Veterans battling substance abuse. “I’m able to

give back and help the people in the same position I was in,” he said. “I’m not going to lie. It’s still a struggle. But now I have tools and resources to help me cope. The best part is I

can pass it on. That’s how I can give back to my brothers and sisters.” McNabb credits his sobriety to the guidance of peer support specialists, the support of his wife, doctors, and the

opportunity to help others. But he also emphasized the importance of seeking help and support. He hopes that sharing his recovery journey offers hope for those going through similar

struggles. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep pushing forward,” he added. To read more stories on substance abuse care and prevention, visit VA News and

Information.