“I grew up in Flint, MI, where both of my parents struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Our family was known for drunken fights in the yard, endless arrests, and chaos. We lost several loved ones too soon because of gangs, suicide, and drugs. Thankfully, there was at least one stable, caring adult in my life who always reminded me this wasn’t normal and that I was meant for something better.
Eventually, I left Michigan for Florida with just a carry-on and $100 to my name. I managed to get out of Flint, get married, have a child, and start a small business. As a military spouse, I’ve been through five deployments and all the stress that comes with military life. The pressure built up over time, and I turned to alcohol to cope. What started as casual “Mommy Wine Culture” drinking spiraled into full-blown alcohol use disorder.
Luckily, I never got a DUI or faced legal trouble, but my mental health, marriage, and business were all falling apart. I was terrified that asking for help would harm my husband’s career or reputation, so I tried to quit drinking on my own – and failed repeatedly. I realized I was putting my four-year-old on the same destructive path I’d been on. It was either get sober or end up in an early grave.
After one panic attack too many, I finally decided enough was enough and went to rehab for 60 days. It was scary but life-changing. Now, I’ve been sober for almost two years. I’ve lost 20 pounds, my anxiety is nearly gone, my depression has lifted, and my marriage has been saved. My kids and I are happy.
We often talk about veterans and addiction – as we should – but people forget about the spouses and family members who struggle silently without support. If that’s you, know that going to rehab is a medical intervention protected under HIPAA. It will not damage your spouse’s career. Do what you need to do for yourself and your family.”
🙌 👍👍❤️❤️🙏🙏