At first, drinking alcohol was just a fun, social thing for Army National Guard and Army veteran Steve.

“When I got overseas, I went to Korea, I really started doing drugs heavy,” Steve said. “They had all kinds of drugs, you name it, they had it. And I just got real deep into using.”

For decades, Steve became addicted to drugs and alcohol. In and out of rehabs, he found it hard to quit – until one day he got on his knees and asked God to stop.

He felt as though he hit rock bottom when he took a look in the mirror and really saw who he was.

“I was a drug addict, I saw me for the first time and that was a scary sight that I couldn’t get out of my head,” Steve said. “And I called my mother-in-law and said, ‘I really want to stop using, I really want to change please help me.’ And she brought me to HVAF.”

In 2009, Steve received recovery help, thanks to HVAF’s Peer Mentor Fred – who still helps veterans overcome addictions today. When Steve first came to HVAF, he struggled to be there but knew he needed help.

“After about three or four weeks, I said these people, they do care, they really do,” Steve said. “I’ve never had anybody who just wanted to fight for me in that way.”

During his time at HVAF, the VA also set him up with a therapist to address some childhood trauma.

Since then, Steve has been able to completely turn his life around. He has achieved sobriety, renewed his relationships with his children, owns two cars, and is a homeowner!

“This program saved my life,” Steve said. “I wouldn’t be here today without it, so I’m thankful.”