Veteran X A Peer-Led Group Developed by Thomas

Veteran “X” A Peer-Led Group Developed by Thomas E. Pratt

What is Veteran “X” ? The Veteran “X” Program is a peer-led group for all Veterans. Veteran “X” is based on a fictitious character that has an abundance of social issues that are not easily resolved in today’s society.

Overview To enhance the awareness, knowledge and understanding of the participant’s own Recovery, Treatment, Support System, Resources, Goal Setting, Problem Solving Techniques and Social Skills.

Purpose This ongoing group will reinforce the realization that recovery can and does happen in so many areas of a person’s life when the participant understands the treatment process and is involved in their own treatment.

Objective To empower the participant to advocate and understand the concept of advocating for one’s own treatment through a Treatment Plan and Treatment Team.

Incentive to participate In addition to the participant having a sense of self accomplishment, upon successfully completing 20 hours of group a Certificate of Participation will be issued, after 40 hours of participation a Veteran “X” TShirt will be presented, and after 60 hours of group the participant will become a Gold Alumni Member.

Materials Scenario Titled Veteran “X” by Thomas E Pratt CPSS.

Veteran “X”, the Scenario… The scenario is based upon realistic social issues that affect many Veterans: Homelessness Substance Abuse Mental Health Economic and Legal Issues

THE SCENARIO: Veteran “X” is a 55 year old homeless male in an inpatient setting that wants to live independently once he leaves treatment.

The Scenario Veteran “X” claims he was injured while on active duty in 1978 and has never made application for Compensation for Service Connected Disability. Veteran “X” has informed us that he has been hospitalized several times for mental illness and for substance abuse in the past 30 years.

The Scenario continued Veteran “X” is a smoker and smokes 2 packs of cigarettes per day. Veteran “X” has been “told” he is unemployable Veteran “X” is in debt in excess of $25, 000 Veteran “X” is arrears of child support payments of $40, 000 Veteran “X” owes the IRS $5000 in back taxes Veteran “X” drivers license has been suspended

Veteran “X” family issues Veteran “X” is divorced four years Has 3 children, one boy (23 years), two girls (25 and 18 years) Relationship with children is very distant Siblings are three brothers and two sisters Veteran “X” has no relationship with siblings

Veteran “X” Education 12 th grade with College (less than 1 year)

Veteran “X” Military History Veteran “X” entered the Armed Forces at age 18. Dated entered active duty: July 19, 1975 Discharged Honorably : July 18, 1979 Occupation: Supply Highest Rank held: E-5 Rank at Discharge: E-3 Disciplinary: UASubstance abuse Three article 15 and one summary Courts-Martial

Veteran “X” current legal status On Probation

Veteran “X” Employment Last employer on record: Retail Full Time 2003 -2005 Occupation: Lawn and Garden Unemployed since 2005 Contribution to Social Security Fund 32 Quarters

Group activities Participation Team work Role play Problem solving techniques Note taking Basic computer skills

Group Achievements Veteran "X" is ongoing for one year so veterans can begin at any time in the recovery process. 670 have gone through the program in residential level care and 350 have completed 20 hours, 150 have completed 40 hours and 62 have completed 60+ hours of group. Those that attend the group we suspect and have knowledge have a lower relapse rate. This is a voluntary group with average group size 50+.

What Veteran “X” means to me. Veteran “X” has shown me that anything and everything is possible and achievable. Veteran “X” is a social gathering that allows us Veterans to discuss a scenario that relates to typical problems that are common among vets today. T. C.

Continued Fellow veteran’s helping one another towards stability and beneficial goals. D. M. S Veteran “X” makes me feel good about myself again.

Continued Veteran “X” means a new way of life to look forward too, and to achieve the goals that I have set for myself. That there are fellow veteran’s to share my experience of recovery with.

Continued It has shown me what resources are available to help me tackle the problems in my life. R. S. P. It’s what I needed some support and a sense of knowing that someone cares. D. J.

Continued Veteran “X” is a dose of hope. Its is a program of second chances. It is unconditional love for veterans that have hit a road block. I came here broken in spirit and have been put back together again. This program literally saved my life. J. M.

Miracle Moments Getting approved for a hearing aid, and have applied for service connected disability. D. M. S. I recently asked the courts for a reduction in my child support which is in arrears of $12, 000. T. C.

Continued Just being clean and sober today. C. J. My family is very proud and supportive of my progress in facing up to the addictive actions from my past. R. S.

Continued Spending time with my daughter and grand daughter for an afternoon after being apart for so long. A. P. My Ex-wife and I are getting back together. We are talking about remarrying.

Continued My miracle moment is that I’m feeling my life is worth living again. R. R. I’m back with my family and working on the process of being debt free.

Continued I have started working in the CWT program which gives me a sense of belonging again. A. C. K. Since coming to Veteran “X” I have the hope that I can accomplish anything. I have went back to school to learn computers. W. D.