The following interview is a personal account of a veteran who experienced war-related trauma. The interview highlights the role of strength and resilience in the survivor's journey toward growth and healing.
5/22/17 - Tom is a combat veteran who served tours during the Vietnam War. In this podcast, he tells the story of how he came to be in the military and recounts his experiences as a medic during the war. Tom shares the impact his time in Vietnam had on him after he returned home, even as he successfully furthered his schooling, secured employment and started a family. He reflects on the role that alcohol played for many years in managing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including how it reduced his sense of clarity and choice. Tom talks about the collaborative and empowering relationships he has found with therapists and peers on the road of recovery.
Keywords: PTSD, Vietnam War, combat, alcoholism