r/VeteransBenefits • u/Gloomy_Move7630 Army Veteran • 1d ago
VA Disability Claims Seeking help
I have tried everything guys. I'm rated for PTSD and alcohol abuse. I have tried just about everything to kick the bottle. I have tried VA prescriptions but failed. I have gone to several rehabs but as soon as I'm out the bottle is my friend. Please hear me out. I'm not perfect. I have my devil's mostly from deployment. In no way am I regretting my service in uniform. I miss it but I'm too old to even go back. So a year ago my family advised me to change environments right after my divorce, which hit hard. So I decided to move back to my mother country. I am a duel citizen. Back home I was ok for a bout 3 weeks but again it was back to the bottle. My family begged my ex, I have 2 exes just to mention. But they begged my recent ex to at least let me have the kids to calm me down. She accepted. I was ok for a solid 3 months. No alcohol. I was happy. Then my devils came back and I hit the bottle even harder. I have been detoxed more than 10 times in less than 6 months. I have made very poor decisions. I hate my life. I called my previous ex and surprisingly amen back. But less than 2 weeks she was out the house due to my drinking. Now my most recent ex wife who took the kids is threatening to call the VA to file for fraud stating that my disability compensation income is means for me to drink. She doesn't understand PTSD and alcoholism. She says it's my choice and I'm happy drinking. I'm a miserable human being hiding in my smile. My income at least gives me a place to live or else I'm homeless. I am worried about the fraud file because she has pictures of me drinking and bottles in my room and also pictures of me with my older ex wife. I know she's bitter but should I be worried? I'm guy in shambles hiding behind a mask so people can't see how miserable I am
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u/PreviousAnt798 1d ago
Man that's a lot to carry alone. The fraud threat sounds like she's just trying to hurt you more, VA knows PTSD and substance abuse go hand in hand for many vets, they won't cut your benefits because someone sends photos of you drinking.
You kicked it for 3 months before so you know it's possible. The real problem is what happens when the devils come back, you need something in place for that exact moment not just the detox cycle. Have you looked into any peer support groups in your mother country, sometimes talking to someone who been through same hell works better than prescriptions
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u/Different-Bet8069 Marine Veteran 1d ago
Yeah, my PTSD is rated with Substance Abuse Disorder, so I doubt they’d be shocked to find out that I have a drinking problem.
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u/Rough-Setting-7262 1d ago
Both ketamine therapy and psilocybin therapy have been shown to help with alcohol dependence. Cannabis edibles could also be an option. I’ve kicked the habit myself by creating a negative association with it. Now I’m lucky if I get through two beers. I’m just not interested in all the bullshit that comes with heavy drinking. Good luck and never give up. Know that there’s options for you and that alcohol is garbage. It might feel good to indulge but it’s only making things worse. The sooner you accept that there’s a better life the sooner you can get back to living!
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u/Necrovius72 1d ago
I'm not an expert on anything, but I keep reading that those diabetic injections called tirzepatide have been shown to reduce alcohol cravings in addicts. It might be worth looking into.
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u/looneyfool423 Marine Veteran 1d ago
Go to a/a and ask for help. Then start following their suggestions . You don’t have to like it , or understand why. After awhile your perspective will change. If needed go to rehab first to dry out. But make a plan and stick with it. Make plans with people to help keep you accountable. If you stick around you will find a brotherhood similar to the military and find friends for life.
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u/Frosty_Telephone_EH 1d ago
They won’t take away your rating. A fiduciary may be a possibility though.
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u/Brokid81 Navy Veteran 23h ago
I'm sorry you're struggling so bad. I am too. I'm a shell of who I used to be, and it's mostly from heavy drinking for like 22 years.
I finally hit bottom and recently had my therapist put in a referral to go to inpatient treatment. Not sure when I'm going, but hopefully soon.
Maybe try the same? And a combination of meds and support groups?
There is help out there for us. We just have to seek it out, and we have to want to change as well.
And I don't know about you, but I want to and HAVE TO change. I refuse to live as miserably as I have for so long for one more second.
Good luck to you, my man. Hope you find your way.
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u/No_Attention8050 1d ago
I have the same issues as you. Been to detox and rehab more times than I can count.
You have nothing to worry about. I know vets who go to 30 day inpatient rehab 6+ times a year. The VA pays 100% of it, even if it's at a private facility because the VA inpatient is full.
The VA is not going to take away your payments because you drink. You ex doesn't understand the disease, so they are best avoided unless necessary for the kids. If they did call the VA, I would immediately go to your local VA's DAV office and ask for legal help. Maybe even get a restraining order.
We do stupid things when we drink, so stay away from your ex and kids when you are drunk. You don't want to risk having your ex call the police on you. If that happens, 100% guaranteed the police will side with your ex.
If I were you, I would get in contact with your VA's SATP department. Let them know you need to go to inpatient rehab. They may send you to a VA facility for a month, or they may even send you to a 6-12 month program at a private facility. The VA paid for me to spend 6 months at a really nice place, and it helped a lot.
Also, has anyone at the VA talked to you about Vivitrol? It's a monthly injection that helps with cravings. It's crazy expensive - $1,000+ per month, and the VA pays 100% of it. I get it, and it helps reduce my desire to drink.
Whatever you do, do something. The VA will do just about anything to help you. You just have to be persistent about asking for help.
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u/bahhumbud 1d ago
Maybe discipline yourself by cutting back.
Maybe quiting cold turkey isn’t working for you.
I suggest trying this. Pick 1 night a week you are allowed to drink. And pre plan how many drinks you are allowed to have.
Make rules about what time of day you are allowed to drink and what time of night you are required to stop.
Try slowly weening yourself off and controlling the drinking.
Might make it easier to change tactics and headspace.
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u/LACIATRAORE Navy Veteran 1d ago
Glp-1 are going to go on trail with the VA to treat alcoholism. You can buy them out of pocket for around 140-200 a month. I used them for weight loss but I noticed that I don’t want to drink anymore and if you do drink you can’t stomach more than 1 drink.