“Most nights when Anthony Klecker, a former U.S. Marine, finally slept, he found himself back on the battlefields of Iraq. He would awake in a panic and struggle futilely to return to sleep. Days were scarcely better. Car alarms shattered his nerves. Flashbacks came unexpectedly, at the whiff of cleaning chemicals. Bar fights seemed unavoidable; he nearly attacked a man for not washing his hands in the bathroom. Desperate for sleep and relief, Klecker, 30, drank heavily.”
veterans & alcohol
Alcohol use among active military and veterans is a major health issue in America
Throughout our military history, holding one’s liquor has been akin to being a “real soldier". On par with knowing how to handle one’s weapon. Heavy drinking, glamorized in the culture of those serving in uniform, is common. After active duty, many veterans, who served our country with honor, abuse alcohol – for many reasons - and often because of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) associated with their experience during military conflicts on the battlefield.
real advice
Real advice from veterans who have struggled with alcohol dependence.
Many vets learn how to drink at the NCO Clubs and overseas (where beer could be purchased using vending machines).
And, many vets have learned how to quit drinking through excellent programs offered through the VA Healthcare System.
Many vets have distinguished themselves with exceptional service to their country, and many have been handicapped (either physically or mentally) due to this service. Unfortunately, tragedies and life circumstances can lead to alcohol dependency.
The Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program (ADTP) offered by the VA, provides effective, responsive, and compassionate treatment for Veterans with alcohol or drug abuse challenges.
The VA may also provide a safe and educational environment for recovery through one of their many excellent recovery homes.
IMPORTANT notice:
The contents of this website, are made available through collaboration with the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program (ADTP) offered by the VA (Veterans Administration), the CENAPS® model of relapse prevention, and the wisdom of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Text, graphics, images, videos and other material contained on the website ("Content") are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, don't hesitate to call the Veterans Crisis Line. Please have the courage to save a life (yours), and just pick up the phone, borrow a quarter, or unlock your cell phone and call the Veterans Crisis Line:
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. This Site and the Content are provided on an "as is" basis.
A NEW 12-STEP PROGRAM
Most people are familiar with 12-Step programs such as the one offered by Alcoholic Anonymous. Following is our 12-Step program designed by Veterans for Veterans, and for anyone who desires to quit drinking:
step one
Add a Water "Back"
Alcohol acts as a DIURETIC. So, if you are going to drink anything with alcohol in it, go ahead and add a water "back" (water on the side). This will not only slow down your drinking (one sip of beer followed by one sip of water), it will keep your body hydrated, and help to avoid a hangover. Some good choices for a water back , besides ice water, would be: 1) GREEN ICED TEA (for the antioxidants), 2) COCONUT WATER (for the electrolytes), and 3) SELTZER WATER (which has no calories and no salt), with LIME or LEMON (for the vitamin C content).
STEP TWO
Add B Vitamins to your diet
Start supplementing your diet with B Vitamins IMMEDIATELY. Alcohol causes damage to your nervous system, including your brain. Heavy drinking for long periods of time can result in Alcoholic Neuropathy and/or Alcoholic Dementia. These types of damage are debilitating, and NOT REVERSIBLE. Choose a Vitamin B complex, which includes all of the B vitamins. Or better yet, get your B vitamins from your food. Foods that are very high in B vitamins include dark green leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast, and beef liver.
STEP THREE
Add Vitamin C to your diet
Start supplementing your diet with Vitamin C IMMEDIATELY. Alcohol damages your liver (one of the most important organs in your body). Vitamin C is protective of your liver. If you drink, I encourage you to take high dosages (at least 1 gram per day) of Vitamin C. Or better yet, get your Vitamin C from your foods. Orange juice? Yes! Better yet, a cup of chopped red bell peppers contains nearly three times more vitamin C than an orange (190 mg). Red peppers are also a great source of vitamin A, which promotes eye health.
STEP four
Switch to beer
If you drink hard liquor or wine, switch to beer IMMEDIATELY. All hard liquors are a perversion of natural foods. They are fermented foods that have been distilled to increase the alcohol content. For example, Cognac (also known as "Jet Fuel" is distilled from wine and champagne, increasing the alcohol content by four times. If you put a match to any hard liquors they will burst into flame. There is no way they belong in your body. Wine is a better choice, but beer is the best choice due to its lower alcohol content and health benefits.
The health benefits of beer
IF YOU DRINK BEER TO GET DRUNK, YOU WILL TOTALLY NEGATE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEER. HOWEVER, WHEN CONSUMED IN MODERATION, BEER HAS A SURPRISING NUMBER OF HEALTH BENEFITS:
1) BEER KEEPS YOUR KIDNEYS HEALTHY.
A Finnish study singled out beer among other alcoholic beverages, finding that it was better for your kidneys. In fact, each bottle of beer you drink reduces the risk of developing kidney stones by 40%.
2) BEER IS HELPFUL FOR YOUR DIGESTION.
Beer, and especially dark beer, contains up to one gram of soluble fibre in each glass (unlike wine, which doesn’t contain any fibre at all). Fibre plays an important role in intestinal transit (a fibre deficiency can cause gastric and intestinal disorders such as constipation or diarrhea).
3) BEER CAN LOWER YOUR BAD CHOLESTEROL.
The fibre in beer can also help reduce your levels of LDL cholesterol, i.e. the “bad” type of cholesterol.
4) BEER CAN INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN B LEVELS.
Beer contains several B vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and B12). A Dutch study found that beer drinkers had 30 percent higher levels of vitamin B6 than their non-drinking counterparts, and levels that were twice as high as those of wine drinkers. Beer is also a generous source of vitamin B12, an anti-anaemic factor not found in many foods.
5) DRINK BEER FOR STRONGER BONES.
A 2009 study concluded that the elevated levels of silicon in beer can contribute to higher bone density. 6) Drink beer as a cure for insomnia. Lactoflavin and nicotinic acid, which are both present in beer, can promote sleep!
7) BEER REDUCES YOUR RISK OF A HEART ATTACK.
Beer drinkers have a 40 to 60 percent reduced risk of suffering a heart attack compared with non-beer drinkers.
8) BEER HELPS PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS.
The ingredients in beer help prevent blood clots from forming.
9) BEER BOOSTS YOUR MEMORY.
According to studies, beer drinkers are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than non-beer drinkers.
10) BEER HELPS COMBAT STRESS.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that two glasses of beer a day can reduce work-related stress or anxiety.
11) WARM BEER CAN HELP A COLD.
Drinking warm beer is an excellent cold remedy! When barley is warmed up it improves blood circulation and helps you breathe when you feel congested. It also provides relief for joint pain and boosts your immunity. So, how do you prepare it? Heat a bottle of beer in a double boiler and then add four small teaspoons of honey.
12) BEER MAKES YOUR SKIN MORE BEAUTIFUL.
Good news for women! Certain vitamins in beer can regenerate the skin and have a positive impact on pigmentation. Your skin can become smoother and more supple.
13) BEER CAN BE DELICIOUS & NUTRITIOUS (depending on the beer you choose)
Beer is made from hops, barley and wheat, so the beverage contains many of the same nutrients that grains do, including B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin and zinc. A bottle of beer can contain 92 mg of potassium, 14 mg of calcium and 48 mg of phosphorus, all minerals that are essential to a healthy diet. Beer is also a source of soluble fibre, which comes from the barley. According to The Brewers of Europe, an organization that represents European breweries, two glasses of beer can provide 10 percent of your recommended daily fibre intake. Beer contains antioxidants as well. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry suggests that the levels of antioxidants found in blood are elevated after beer is consumed.
14) BEER CAN WARD OFF CERTAIN DISEASES, SUCH AS OSTEOPOROSIS & CANCER
Many studies have found that moderate alcohol consumption may lower a drinker’s risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, and can even reduce weight gain. But some research suggests that beer specifically may play a role in fending off osteoporosis and cancer, as well as reduce menopausal hot flashes. A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture suggests that drinking beer moderately may ward off osteoporosis. The researchers found that beer is a good source of dietary silicon, which is important for bone growth and development. Beer may also help reduce cancer risk. Studies suggest that Xanthohumol, a plant compound found in hops, may help prevent cancer, as well as reduce menopausal hot flashes in women.
STEP FOUR
Switch to Dark Beer
Studies show that lagers and dark ales have the highest ANTIOXIDANT activity when compared to light or non-alcohol beers.
Likewise, dark beers also contain more IRON than light colored or low-alcohol beers.
Also, the FLAVINOIDS in dark beer can reduce the risk of blood clotting, and fight free radicals.
STEP SEVEN
Nutritional Therapy
Limit beer consumption to no more than ONE BEER a day for women, or TWO BEERS a day for men.
STEP TEN
Drink in Moderation
Limit beer consumption to no more than ONE BEER a day for women, or TWO BEERS a day for men.
STEP FIVE
Drink in Moderation
Limit beer consumption to no more than ONE BEER a day for women, or TWO BEERS a day for men.
Try using beer as a reward: Have one or two beers after you have reached your exercise or other goals.
Or, try drinking one or two beers after work to help reduce work-related stress and anxiety. Or, to help you relax before you go to bed.
STEP EIGHT
Drink in Moderation
Limit beer consumption to no more than ONE BEER a day for women, or TWO BEERS a day for men.
STEP ELEVEN
Drink in Moderation
Limit beer consumption to no more than ONE BEER a day for women, or TWO BEERS a day for men.
STEP SIX
Taper off to quit
A safe way to quit drinking (besides hospitalization) is to once you have reached STEP FOUR, taper off.
Start with the amount of beers you are drinking every day. Then lower that amount by one beer each following day until you reach zero.
Congratulations, you just quit drinking! If you wish to stay quit, just follow the next SIX steps.
STEP NINE
Drink in Moderation
Limit beer consumption to no more than ONE BEER a day for women, or TWO BEERS a day for men.
STEP TWELVE
Drink in Moderation
Limit beer consumption to no more than ONE BEER a day for women, or TWO BEERS a day for men.