Sober life rocks | va tennessee valley health care | veterans affairs

Veterans in a residential rehabilitation program find solace in painting rocks that illustrate their addiction success stories, transforming their treatment facility into a gallery of

resilience. Veterans enrolled in Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s (TVHS) Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) adorned building 11 with hand decorated rocks showing how

they have overcome addiction and substance abuse. This is a creative treatment option that addiction therapists located at Alvin C. York VA Medical Center initiated in 2019 and continue to

utilize today. Addiction Therapist, Martin David, shares that “rock decorating is a way for Veterans to express what is important to them in recovery, whether it is PTSD or substance abuse.

Plus, it leaves a part of them here and beautifies our entry way.”  As an Airforce Veteran and someone who has overcome similar issues David expresses, “Being able to serve Veterans who are

currently struggling with similar issues I dealt with after my enlistment in the military is a dream come true.” David continues to say, “While some days are more challenging than others

given the high acuity of our population, the progress I get to see in them during admission is nothing short of inspirational.” Working with TVHS RRTP for nearly two and half years, David

emphasizes that, “if you love and are passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll never work a day in your life.” As a ritual for Veterans who complete their treatment, they are encouraged to

high-five a painted rock located outside of the back-door of building 11 that has “sober life” painted on it. This moment marks their completion of their treatment and is a milestone they

will remember forever. Alvin C. York RRTP has a maximum capacity of 16 residents due to construction but will be opening up 18 additional rooms for more residents come January 1, 2024. To

learn more about RRTP services and how Veterans can make an appointment visit the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Internet Site or call their team at (615) 225-5420 or (615) 867-6000 ext.

20467.