Today, Louisville native and Bardstown resident Kevin Schmidt is the Western Region Operations Manager for Addiction Recovery Care, Kentucky’s largest provider of addiction treatment and recovery services.
As a teenager who unknowingly struggled with drug use while serving in the military, he never imagined his future would look like this. (addiction help)
Louisville native and Bardstown resident Kevin Schmidt is the West Region Operations Manager for Addiction Recovery Care, Addiction Recovery Care’s largest provider of treatment and recovery services. Kentucky Drug Addiction.
As a teenager who unknowingly struggled with drugs while serving in the military, he never imagined his future would look like this.
“I grew up knowing the value of service,” Kevin said. I always wanted to be a soldier.
However, Kevin also wanted to fit in with the other kids in the neighborhood, which led him down a dangerous path. He started using drugs and alcohol and things exploded.
Although Kevin was arrested for drug abuse, he was able to enlist in the military after graduation. It was an opportunity for him to escape his problems.
That’s what he and his parents thought.
In many ways, however, that choice reinforced the challenges he was trying to escape.
Kevin was stationed at a base in Oklahoma after completing his training.
“Bringing me from Kentucky to Oklahoma didn’t really accomplish anything,” he said. “In fact, he simply introduced me to new drugs and new criminal behaviors, even when I was in uniform.”
Kevin was drinking heavily at the time and was caught with alcohol several times in the barracks. “I thought I was just having fun doing drugs and drinking,” he said. “I didn’t know I had a substance abuse disorder.”
During Kevin’s visit, military police raided the barracks and found drug paraphernalia. Kevin knew they would be waiting for him when he returned, but he returned anyway to face the consequences.
The Army gave him the choice to stay or leave and Kevin chose to leave with an honorable discharge.
“My leadership has really been a turning point for me,” he said. “They wanted to work with me, but I continued to do what I knew. »
That’s when Kevin decided to seek treatment to get sober.
“I’m proud of my service,” Kevin said.
“I gave everything by fighting a fight that I didn’t know I was going to fight. that I didn’t know I could hit. It was a shame for me for a long time, but during my healing journey, I was able to make peace with what had happened.
In 2020, 26.2% of veterans had a mental illness or substance use disorder. Among veterans with a substance use disorder, about four in ten struggle with illicit drugs and seven in ten struggle with alcohol use.
One in eight people struggle with both drugs and alcohol.
Kevin said when it comes to helping veterans combat drug use, hearing the opinion of another veteran can make a big difference.
“They know you’ve experienced what they’re experiencing and tend to listen more,” he said. “It’s important that veterans get the help they need. »
Today, in his role at Addiction Recovery Care, he is able to give back and help others struggling with drugs and alcohol.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, stop by here or call 888-351-1761. Copyright 2023 ONDA. All rights reserved.
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