It is hard to believe but it is going on 6 years since my last drink.
I never thought it would last this long and how my life would change.
Since leaving the Veterans Substance Abuse Program in Gainesville,
I attended Santa Fe Community College and took all there certificate
programs in computers and computer security, got a job at Florida
Works in Gainesville, left there and got a job with Marion County in
Ocala, left there for my current position as Resident Manager for the
Ocala Ritz Veterans Village at the age of 68. I actually retired at the
age of 59 and nearly drank myself to death until the age of 63, how
life can change just by dumping the bottle. My current job also includes
helping the veteran tenants to stay sober and to help them move on
in life, which is all satisfying work.
Past blogs will tell you how I did it and if any of it helps you, I will
consider it a blessing from God.
Remember, yesterday does not count anymore, only the minute, the hour
and day you are in now.
Showing posts with label veteran alcoholics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veteran alcoholics. Show all posts
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Veteran's In Recovery
No man is ever whipped, until
he quits in his own mind.
May God Bless all those who walk the
path that has been put in front of us.
The journey of recovery is filled with
discoveries. Some are enlightening,
and some are painful, but we grow
through these discoveries. Just
remember: Don't Pick Up No Matter
What. The Journey will be awesome,
and spiritual growth becomes a way of life.
And as the old saying goes: Today is the
first day of the rest of your life.
he quits in his own mind.
May God Bless all those who walk the
path that has been put in front of us.
The journey of recovery is filled with
discoveries. Some are enlightening,
and some are painful, but we grow
through these discoveries. Just
remember: Don't Pick Up No Matter
What. The Journey will be awesome,
and spiritual growth becomes a way of life.
And as the old saying goes: Today is the
first day of the rest of your life.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Helpful Tool For A Veteran Alcoholic
In class today we learned of a simple
tool to use to help us avoid relapse.
Its a simple acronym we all know if
you did any guard duty. HALT and
it stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely,
and Tired.
Hungry - Do not let yourself go hungry,
it causes you to crave something and
that something could turn out to be
alcohol or drugs. Try to eat healthy,
but anything will do, to keep the hungry
cravings away. Here at the apartment
complex we Veteran alcoholics live in,
you could say the Veterans Hospital
has supplied us with a mini store. No
lack of food or snacks and my favorite
ice cream of course with toppings.
Angry - As I sober up, my feelings and
emotions are returning, I have angry
feelings about the Vietnam war, the way I was treated when I returned home, angry at everyone for no special reason. I am angry that it is hard for me to concentrate, angry at my ex wife and full of self pity. So I am told the second I become aware of these feelings, to speak to someone about them. I try to avoid psychiatrist, I believe they are confused from listening to so many confused people themselves. Only kidding. Talk to your sponsor, net work of friends and other Veteran alcoholics that are sober or go to a alcoholic anonymous meeting.
Lonely - Loneliness can lead to drinking
and drugging again. Call your sponsor,
a friend, go to a meeting, go shopping,
be where people are, do not be alone
if you get this feeling. Here at the
Veterans Hospital we Alcoholic Vets
don't have that problem, but we will
when we leave this program, so now
we are aware of what to do.
Tired - I am told to get myself on a
schedule so I get enough rest and not
become overtired, as my defenses will
not be as sharp and will lead back to
a relapse. All we veteran alcoholics
are getting our bodies use to a schedule
while here at the Veterans hospital, in
bed by 11pm and up by 6am. I plan on
keeping this schedule when I leave this
program.
Author: Alden Morrison
tool to use to help us avoid relapse.
Its a simple acronym we all know if
you did any guard duty. HALT and
it stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely,
and Tired.
Hungry - Do not let yourself go hungry,
it causes you to crave something and
that something could turn out to be
alcohol or drugs. Try to eat healthy,
but anything will do, to keep the hungry
cravings away. Here at the apartment
complex we Veteran alcoholics live in,
you could say the Veterans Hospital
has supplied us with a mini store. No
lack of food or snacks and my favorite
ice cream of course with toppings.
Angry - As I sober up, my feelings and
emotions are returning, I have angry
feelings about the Vietnam war, the way I was treated when I returned home, angry at everyone for no special reason. I am angry that it is hard for me to concentrate, angry at my ex wife and full of self pity. So I am told the second I become aware of these feelings, to speak to someone about them. I try to avoid psychiatrist, I believe they are confused from listening to so many confused people themselves. Only kidding. Talk to your sponsor, net work of friends and other Veteran alcoholics that are sober or go to a alcoholic anonymous meeting.
Lonely - Loneliness can lead to drinking
and drugging again. Call your sponsor,
a friend, go to a meeting, go shopping,
be where people are, do not be alone
if you get this feeling. Here at the
Veterans Hospital we Alcoholic Vets
don't have that problem, but we will
when we leave this program, so now
we are aware of what to do.
Tired - I am told to get myself on a
schedule so I get enough rest and not
become overtired, as my defenses will
not be as sharp and will lead back to
a relapse. All we veteran alcoholics
are getting our bodies use to a schedule
while here at the Veterans hospital, in
bed by 11pm and up by 6am. I plan on
keeping this schedule when I leave this
program.
Author: Alden Morrison
Thursday, July 24, 2008
My Trauma and PTSD Evaluation
The below examination is from my health record
located at the Veterans Hospital, Gainesville, Fl.
TRAUMA/PTSD SCREEN:
Some people have had terrible experiences that others never go through,
such as:
- being attacked - no
- being sexually assaulted or raped - no
- being in a flood or natural disaster - no
- being in combat - yes
- being in a bad accident - no
- being threatened with a weapon - yes
- seeing someone badly injured or killed - yes
(a) Did any of these experiences ever happen to you? (X)yes ()no ()N/A
If you answered "no" to question a, skip questions b, c, and d.
(b) In the past month, have you been bothered by repeated, disturbing
memories, thoughts or images of one or more of the stressful events
experienced above? ()yes (X)no ()N/A
(c) In the past month, have you felt distant or cut off from other people?
()yes (X)no ()N/A
(d) In the past month, have you been "super alert" or watchful or on
guard? ()yes (X)no ()N/A
Scoring: If patient answers affirmatively to question a and endorses ONE
of the subsequent questions (b, c, or d) refer to a mental health
professional for further evaluation and treatment of probable PTSD.
DEPRESSION SCREEN
1. During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down,
depressed, or hopeless? ()yes (X)no
2. During the past month, have you often been bothered by little interest
or pleasure in doing things? ()yes (X)no
A positive test result = a yes response to either question.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT SCREEN
PATIENT NAME AND ADDRESS
MORRISON, ALDEN
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32609
VISTA Electronic Medical Documentation
Printed at N. FLORIDA/S. GEORGIA VHS
Page 459
() Home/apartment with family
() Home/apartment alone
() Structured living environment (i.e. Oxford House, Assisted Living)
() Shelter or transient home
(X) Homeless
ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS IDENTIFICATION TEST (AUDIT)
1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
( )0. Never
( )1. Monthly or less
( )2. Two to four times a month
( )3. Two to three times a week
(X )4. Four or more times a week
2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you
are drinking?
( )0. 1 or 2
( )1. 3 or 4
( )2. 5 or 6
( )3. 7-9
(X )4. 10 or more
3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
(X )4. Daily or almost daily
4. How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to
stop drinking once you had started?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
(X )4. Daily or almost daily
5. How often during the past year have you failed to do what was normally
expected from you because of drinking?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
(X )3. Weekly
( )4. Daily or almost daily
MORRISON, ALDEN
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32609
6. How often during the last year have you needed a first drink in the
morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
(X )4. Daily or almost daily
7. How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or
remorse after drinking?
(X )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
( )4. Daily or almost daily
8. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what
happened the night before because you had been drinking?
(X )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
( )4. Daily or almost daily
9. Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?
(X )0. No
( )2. Yes, but not in the last year
( )4. Yes, during the last year
10. How often has a friend, relative, doctor, or other health worker been
concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
(X )2. About once a month
( )3. About once a week
( )4. Several times a week
Total Score= 25
A score of 8 or above is considered indicative of a clinical alcohol
disorder, and further evaluation should be performed.
/es/ A. D.
RN, C
Signed: 11/30/2007 10:16
LOCAL TITLE: SATT RESIDENTIAL INITIAL NURSING ASSESSMENT (T)
STANDARD TITLE: NURSING NOTE
VISTA Electronic Medical Documentation
Page 461
DATE OF NOTE: NOV 30, 2007@09:43 ENTRY DATE: NOV 30, 2007@09:43:46
AUTHOR: D, L EXP COSIGNER:
URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED
This is a 64 year old, FEB 4,1943, DIVORCED,MALE who was admitted
to SARRTP from the Gainesville Salvation Army where he has resided for 1 1/2
months. Prior to this, vet lived in Tallahassee, FL in an apartment x 1 1/2yrs.
Vet put his belongings in storage and came to Gainesville for substance abuse
treatment. Upon arrival to Gainesville vet entered into Ambulatory Detox and
completed x 1wk. Vet referred to SARRTP by: Fred, MSW and Irma
, CAP. Vet will be followed by Ms. Irma
SARRTP. DOC - Alcohol. Vet denies h/o substance abuse treatment.
1. INITIAL NURSING ASSESSMENT
RATED DISABILITIES - NONE FOUND
___________________________________________________________________
Height: 68 in [172.7 cm] (11/30/2007 08:57)
Weight: 252 lb [114.5 kg] (11/30/2007 08:57)
Temperature: 98.2 F [36.8 C] (11/30/2007 08:57)
B/P: 130/79 (11/30/2007 08:57)
Pulse: 66 (11/30/2007 08:57)
Respiration: 18 (11/30/2007 08:57)
___________________________________________________________________
BAL: 0.0 Urine DS Sent: ()Yes ()No (X)Pending
__________________________________________________________________
NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT:
Appetite: ()Very poor ()Probably inadequate (X)Adequate
()Excellent
History:
Current diet: regular
Religious/Ethic/Cultural Food Preferences: denies
Appetite - good
Recent weight loss/gain - stable
Difficulty Chewing/Swallowing - denies
___________________________________________________________________
Allergies: Patient has answered NKA
___________________________________________________________________
Reason for Admission: Substance abuse treatment:
PATIENT NAME AND ADDRESS
MORRISON, ALDEN
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32609
I was now in residential treatment in the Veterans
Hospital, Gainesville, Fl
Author: Alden Morrison
___________________________________________________________________
located at the Veterans Hospital, Gainesville, Fl.
TRAUMA/PTSD SCREEN:
Some people have had terrible experiences that others never go through,
such as:
- being attacked - no
- being sexually assaulted or raped - no
- being in a flood or natural disaster - no
- being in combat - yes
- being in a bad accident - no
- being threatened with a weapon - yes
- seeing someone badly injured or killed - yes
(a) Did any of these experiences ever happen to you? (X)yes ()no ()N/A
If you answered "no" to question a, skip questions b, c, and d.
(b) In the past month, have you been bothered by repeated, disturbing
memories, thoughts or images of one or more of the stressful events
experienced above? ()yes (X)no ()N/A
(c) In the past month, have you felt distant or cut off from other people?
()yes (X)no ()N/A
(d) In the past month, have you been "super alert" or watchful or on
guard? ()yes (X)no ()N/A
Scoring: If patient answers affirmatively to question a and endorses ONE
of the subsequent questions (b, c, or d) refer to a mental health
professional for further evaluation and treatment of probable PTSD.
DEPRESSION SCREEN
1. During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down,
depressed, or hopeless? ()yes (X)no
2. During the past month, have you often been bothered by little interest
or pleasure in doing things? ()yes (X)no
A positive test result = a yes response to either question.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT SCREEN
PATIENT NAME AND ADDRESS
MORRISON, ALDEN
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32609
VISTA Electronic Medical Documentation
Printed at N. FLORIDA/S. GEORGIA VHS
Page 459
() Home/apartment with family
() Home/apartment alone
() Structured living environment (i.e. Oxford House, Assisted Living)
() Shelter or transient home
(X) Homeless
ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS IDENTIFICATION TEST (AUDIT)
1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
( )0. Never
( )1. Monthly or less
( )2. Two to four times a month
( )3. Two to three times a week
(X )4. Four or more times a week
2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you
are drinking?
( )0. 1 or 2
( )1. 3 or 4
( )2. 5 or 6
( )3. 7-9
(X )4. 10 or more
3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
(X )4. Daily or almost daily
4. How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to
stop drinking once you had started?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
(X )4. Daily or almost daily
5. How often during the past year have you failed to do what was normally
expected from you because of drinking?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
(X )3. Weekly
( )4. Daily or almost daily
MORRISON, ALDEN
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32609
6. How often during the last year have you needed a first drink in the
morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
(X )4. Daily or almost daily
7. How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or
remorse after drinking?
(X )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
( )4. Daily or almost daily
8. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what
happened the night before because you had been drinking?
(X )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
( )2. Monthly
( )3. Weekly
( )4. Daily or almost daily
9. Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?
(X )0. No
( )2. Yes, but not in the last year
( )4. Yes, during the last year
10. How often has a friend, relative, doctor, or other health worker been
concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?
( )0. Never
( )1. Less than monthly
(X )2. About once a month
( )3. About once a week
( )4. Several times a week
Total Score= 25
A score of 8 or above is considered indicative of a clinical alcohol
disorder, and further evaluation should be performed.
/es/ A. D.
RN, C
Signed: 11/30/2007 10:16
LOCAL TITLE: SATT RESIDENTIAL INITIAL NURSING ASSESSMENT (T)
STANDARD TITLE: NURSING NOTE
VISTA Electronic Medical Documentation
Page 461
DATE OF NOTE: NOV 30, 2007@09:43 ENTRY DATE: NOV 30, 2007@09:43:46
AUTHOR: D, L EXP COSIGNER:
URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED
This is a 64 year old, FEB 4,1943, DIVORCED,MALE who was admitted
to SARRTP from the Gainesville Salvation Army where he has resided for 1 1/2
months. Prior to this, vet lived in Tallahassee, FL in an apartment x 1 1/2yrs.
Vet put his belongings in storage and came to Gainesville for substance abuse
treatment. Upon arrival to Gainesville vet entered into Ambulatory Detox and
completed x 1wk. Vet referred to SARRTP by: Fred, MSW and Irma
, CAP. Vet will be followed by Ms. Irma
SARRTP. DOC - Alcohol. Vet denies h/o substance abuse treatment.
1. INITIAL NURSING ASSESSMENT
RATED DISABILITIES - NONE FOUND
___________________________________________________________________
Height: 68 in [172.7 cm] (11/30/2007 08:57)
Weight: 252 lb [114.5 kg] (11/30/2007 08:57)
Temperature: 98.2 F [36.8 C] (11/30/2007 08:57)
B/P: 130/79 (11/30/2007 08:57)
Pulse: 66 (11/30/2007 08:57)
Respiration: 18 (11/30/2007 08:57)
___________________________________________________________________
BAL: 0.0 Urine DS Sent: ()Yes ()No (X)Pending
__________________________________________________________________
NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT:
Appetite: ()Very poor ()Probably inadequate (X)Adequate
()Excellent
History:
Current diet: regular
Religious/Ethic/Cultural Food Preferences: denies
Appetite - good
Recent weight loss/gain - stable
Difficulty Chewing/Swallowing - denies
___________________________________________________________________
Allergies: Patient has answered NKA
___________________________________________________________________
Reason for Admission: Substance abuse treatment:
PATIENT NAME AND ADDRESS
MORRISON, ALDEN
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32609
I was now in residential treatment in the Veterans
Hospital, Gainesville, Fl
Author: Alden Morrison
___________________________________________________________________
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Veteran Breakdown
I had a appointment to meet with
Dr. Jennie Brandt, Medical Director
and the rest of the staff at the treatment
center for alcohol and drug addiction.
Attending were a psychiatrist, case
managers and what seemed to be a
whole lot of other people. As I walked
into the conference room, I think I
felt intimidated, I was offered a seat.
I still had shakes and my head still
seemed foggy from detoxing and the
Librium I was taking.
The questions started coming fast and
I don't think I answered them fully but
was doing the best I can in blaming
everyone else for my drinking problems
and the insane things I had done while
intoxicated. Then came Dr. Brandts
turn and she started questioning me
about my ex wife and of course I was
spouting off how terrible this women
and her kids where and poor me had
to put up with all her stuff, which made
me drink more. Dr. Brandt and other
staff members did not buy this and
the questions kept on coming. I finally
broke down crying, this tough ex
Marine was crying like a baby. Dr.
Brandt handed me a Kleenex and that
was the end of the session. I felt very
humiliated and defeated. The thought
ran through my head, buy a bottle, get
in the car and head to South Florida,
I hated Dr. Brandt and the rest of the
staff, they had made me see, what I did
not want to see, I was a drunk, a real
alcoholic, my tough ex Marine face
was destroyed, but something inside
me said, stay or you will die, I decided
to stay. I went back to the classroom,
looked at those veterans and said, I
broke down crying in there. No one
said anything.
I came to love Dr. Brandt, she really
cared about we veterans and helped
us in every way and really showed it
on an occasion weeks later, when she
was reading a paragraph to us out of
the Big Book concerning an incident.
She had tears flowing down her cheeks.
If by chance she ever reads this blog,
Doctor, you are a wonderful loving,
caring person and one hot looking
lady doctor.
For any veterans with an addiction
to drugs or alcohol or both, the
Gainesville Veterans Hospital in
Gainesville, Fl is the place to be,
when you are ready, but not before.
Author: Alden Morrison
Dr. Jennie Brandt, Medical Director
and the rest of the staff at the treatment
center for alcohol and drug addiction.
Attending were a psychiatrist, case
managers and what seemed to be a
whole lot of other people. As I walked
into the conference room, I think I
felt intimidated, I was offered a seat.
I still had shakes and my head still
seemed foggy from detoxing and the
Librium I was taking.
The questions started coming fast and
I don't think I answered them fully but
was doing the best I can in blaming
everyone else for my drinking problems
and the insane things I had done while
intoxicated. Then came Dr. Brandts
turn and she started questioning me
about my ex wife and of course I was
spouting off how terrible this women
and her kids where and poor me had
to put up with all her stuff, which made
me drink more. Dr. Brandt and other
staff members did not buy this and
the questions kept on coming. I finally
broke down crying, this tough ex
Marine was crying like a baby. Dr.
Brandt handed me a Kleenex and that
was the end of the session. I felt very
humiliated and defeated. The thought
ran through my head, buy a bottle, get
in the car and head to South Florida,
I hated Dr. Brandt and the rest of the
staff, they had made me see, what I did
not want to see, I was a drunk, a real
alcoholic, my tough ex Marine face
was destroyed, but something inside
me said, stay or you will die, I decided
to stay. I went back to the classroom,
looked at those veterans and said, I
broke down crying in there. No one
said anything.
I came to love Dr. Brandt, she really
cared about we veterans and helped
us in every way and really showed it
on an occasion weeks later, when she
was reading a paragraph to us out of
the Big Book concerning an incident.
She had tears flowing down her cheeks.
If by chance she ever reads this blog,
Doctor, you are a wonderful loving,
caring person and one hot looking
lady doctor.
For any veterans with an addiction
to drugs or alcohol or both, the
Gainesville Veterans Hospital in
Gainesville, Fl is the place to be,
when you are ready, but not before.
Author: Alden Morrison
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