This isn't ch related, actually it's to vietvet or someone else. I have a dear dear friend who has PTSD and is a total alcoholic and wants to deploy again. He's in really bad shape. If anyone knows how to help him, I'd appreciate it. thank you

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Undirected in response here.

Mentioning deployment, I'd very much imagine vet services are well-acquainted and set up with services from a long line of experience. 

Appearances seem he's not done well handling on his own.  A source outside himself and staying in constant contact with it can be a step over time. 

Acqainted with the second hindering, it takes a first step, recalling walking at the time over a half-mile in a foot of snow a memory, a soul-search at that present place in life.  But of course, untaken and avoiding doing so until REQUIRED to maintain attendence, shrink and recovery-wise, insufficient shrink-wise by itself. 

Months and months of constant contact with the "been there" crowd rubs off, amazingly beginning to think of giving it a try if they'll be there for you every day.  They will.  It involves showing up.  Realizing importantly so, others picking up and taking people there later can no problem. 

At first a friend (advise not accompanying in attendence) may help see to the consistent attendence needed, but within circles, not long after, there are surprisingly many willing to make and see it happen who don't find a little out of the way driving to be bothersome, even exhilarating in their own self-help.

The longest step to come to is the first, but no matter what, keep taking it.  Help with that second rendering is the best way to deal with first. 

Hope not out of line interjecting here.

 

You can't help an alcoholic until they really want the help.

Denny said it.  You cannot do it for him.  I didn't serve, but have two sons in the Corps, one of whom did a tour in Iraq, but I also have a number of friends who are Vets.  One of my friends in particular at times has a very difficult time with PTSD.  He knows it, and most of the time stays on his meds, but sometimes will take himself off of them because he hates the way they make him feel.  He knows what will happen, and will have someone around who knows him that can help to keep him from going totally out of control, but it took quite a bit of time before he would admit to needing the help. 

Until your friend recognizes the need you will just have to be there for him and let him know he is loved no matter what.  Very similar in nature to a lot of what we do here at times.  You cannot understand his pain, nor what he is going through any more than a non-clusterhead can understand us, but you can be his supporter.  I for one thank you for doing it.  Be there for him when he hits bottom and is able to accept assistance.

Jerry

ocnprl wrote on Feb 9^th, 2010 at 1:40am:

    No alcohol allowed in Afghanistan.  Looks like a win/win situation. 

             Potter