Serving Those Who Serve: Overcoming Addiction, PTSD, and Stigma with Brian Paul

Breakfast of Choices

On this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I was honored to welcome Guest, Brian Paul, the President and Founder of Veterans for Life USA, to share his inspiring story with us. Brian founded Veterans for Life USA with the mission of providing purpose and connection to therapy for veterans and first responders struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. 7 1/2 years later, they have been able to bring over 70 veterans and first responders into treatment without any suicides. His own diverse background, including being in the Army National Guard, 45th Infantry, an EMT and firefighter, was diagnosed with PTSD himself. This background and history gave him a unique perspective on the challenges these communities face.
Brian openly shared his personal struggle with PTSD, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts, and how he found his way to treatment and recovery. Discovering the root cause of his issues through trauma therapy was a pivotal moment, as it allowed him to truly address the underlying problems driving his addiction.
We discussed the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health in first responder communities and the importance of seeking help discreetly through HR channels rather than the chain of command. Brian's commitment to sharing his story and connecting others with the right resources has been instrumental in his work, and he continues to inspire others to turn their pain into purpose.
Throughout our conversation, Brian emphasized the importance of finding purpose, hope, and connection in the recovery process. He also provided valuable information about the scholarship programs and treatment partners available through Veterans for Life USA, encouraging anyone in need to reach out.
Visit: Veteransforlifeusa.org

My Fit Tribe
Where each episode devles into unique experience and knowledge about body mind and spirit
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From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle
National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422–4454
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

अध्यायों

1. Serving Those Who Serve: Overcoming Addiction, PTSD, and Stigma with Brian Paul (00:00:00)

2. Life Stories of Transformation (00:00:07)

3. Patterns of Trauma and Recovery (00:14:17)

4. Overcoming Shame Through Story Sharing (00:21:32)

5. Recovery and Transformation Stories (00:27:01)

6. [Ad] My Fit Tribe (00:28:43)

7. (Cont.) Recovery and Transformation Stories (00:29:30)

8. Finding Hope Through Recovery Stories (00:40:14)

9. Inspiring Stories of Hope and Healing (00:47:03)