Travis’s Recovery Story
For Travis, a military veteran, life after service was anything but peaceful. What started as casual substance use during his teenage years slowly spiraled into a cycle of isolation and self-destruction. By the time he left the military, Travis had found himself trapped in a world where alcohol and drugs were no longer just a means of escape—they had become a way to numb the pain he could no longer bear.
Growing up as the son of a pastor, Travis lived under strict rules, often experimenting with substances in secret. When he joined the Army in 2007, drinking became more than just a pastime; it became a way to cope with the pressures and loneliness of military life.
Lost in the Party: How Military Life Fueled His Addiction
Stationed in Washington, D.C., Travis had access to a vibrant social scene, and he quickly became consumed by the party lifestyle. But after his discharge from the military, the harsh reality set in.
“The party was over, and at this point, I’m now just drinking and using it to numb a lot of those feelings,” Travis recalls. “Even though it wasn’t an everyday thing for me, it definitely took a huge toll on my own mental health and the lives of my now ex-wife and my kids as well.”
Travis’s struggle with substance abuse wasn’t just about the substances themselves. It was about the isolation that came with it—a self-imposed exile that allowed him to avoid obligations and escape the guilt and shame that weighed heavily on his conscience. “I would use that as an excuse to shut out the world,” he says. “Isolation was a big thing for me with my usage.”
As his addiction deepened, Travis’s life began to crumble. His marriage fell apart, and he found himself living in a house that was quite literally falling down around him. His car was inoperable, he was juggling bills to keep the lights on, and he lived miles away from anyone who could help.
Rock Bottom: The Moment That Changed Everything
The downward spiral seemed unstoppable until Travis hit rock bottom. In a moment of utter despair, he attempted to take his own life.
“I ultimately tried to take my own life with the use of copious amounts of alcohol and opioids,” Travis reflects. “When I woke up the next day, I just now, I’ve come to the point where I’ve tried to take my own life, and I can’t even do that right.”
It was this realization that finally pushed him to reach out for help. His neighbor took him to the hospital, and from there, Travis began his journey toward recovery through the VA.
Initially, Travis was skeptical about treatment. He had never considered it before, believing that his situation wasn’t “bad enough” to warrant such a step. But as he immersed himself in the program, something shifted. He began to see the value in the structured support offered by Longbranch Recovery’s Veterans Addiction Treatment Program.
“I had nothing else left. I was willing to give it a shot,” Travis admits. “I realized that if my life wasn’t working for me before, I’m gonna give this a shot. Now, if there’s even the slightest chance of a way out and a better way, I’ll take it, because nothing has worked for me before.”
Finding Healing in Community at Longbranch Recovery
At Longbranch Recovery, Travis found more than just treatment. He found a community—a group of people who understood his struggles and were there to support him every step of the way.
The specialty program for veterans provided Travis with the camaraderie he had missed since leaving the military while also addressing the unique challenges of military service that he was facing in recovery.
“NORA House was by far the best decision I made in this recovery journey,” Travis says, referring to the supportive living environment provided by Longbranch. “It was chock full of great people that are also in recovery and are doing this, and are really good examples of how we worked…these 12-step programs.”
Through the program, Travis was able to reconnect with his true self. He found a new sense of purpose, enrolled in college, and began rebuilding his relationship with his children. Perhaps most importantly, he learned to love himself—something he had struggled with for years.
Active-Duty Military & Veterans Addiction Treatment Programs
We understand the unique pressures and experiences of those who serve our country. We’re proud to offer substance use disorder treatment programs tailored for both active-duty military personnel and veterans. From onsite detox and inpatient care to IOP and supportive living, Longbranch Recovery is there for every step of the recovery journey.
Rebuilding and Rediscovering: Travis’s Path to His True Self
“There’s a saying that says you can’t really love someone until you learn how to love yourself,” Travis reflects. “And that’s something that I can honestly say that I have today. I do love myself, and that is probably one of the—if not the greatest—gift that I’ve gotten out of recovery.”
Today, Travis is thriving, surrounded by a community that supports him and driven by a newfound sense of purpose. His story is a testament to the power of reaching out, the importance of community, and the belief that it’s never too late to find your true self.
“As far as what my life is like today, it’s immeasurably better than what it was,” Travis shares. “I would say to somebody who needs help…talk about it, even if you don’t know how to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to talk about what’s bothering you because somebody will listen, and they might just have the right suggestion.”
Travis’s journey from a life overshadowed by isolation and addiction to rediscovering his true self and embracing a supportive community is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience and the healing power of connection. Through his recovery, he found the courage to face his deepest fears, the support of fellow veterans who understood his struggles, and the joy of self-acceptance and sober living. Today, Travis is not only rebuilding his life as a devoted father and committed student but also serves as an inspiration to others seeking their own path to recovery.
More Recovery Stories from Longbranch Alumni
Like many veterans, Wiley struggled with the invisible wounds of war, turning to substances to cope. But at Longbranch, he discovered a supportive community of peers, tailored therapy, and a path to recovery.
Watch Jenny’s inspiring story of overcoming a 14-year struggle with alcohol and opioid addiction. Jenny found hope, and life-changing support, at Longbranch Recovery in Louisiana.
