No more relapse and repeat

This is not Michelle Rode’s first attempt to stop drinking, even though she has been stopped for driving under the influence, but she is hoping it will be her last. 

“I got two DUI's when I was in the military, and every time I got in trouble it was because of alcohol.”

Self-medicating 
Rode attended her first rehabilitation program while in the Air Force but relapsed and her career ended when she was discharged after 8 years.

One deployment during her service had Rode working mortuary affairs where she prepared servicemembers who died in theater to be transported home. These assignments require Airmen to work face-to-face with the fallen and the injuries each of them sustained. Rode said she can’t forget the things she has experienced. 

“I saw their wedding rings and cleaned their wallets with all their personal items, and pictures so they could be returned to their families.” 

Rode self-medicated to cope with her experiences. She has been in and out of treatment centers, tried quitting on her own, and has relapsed each time. 

Courage to ask for help 
“A lot of us had to ask for help to get here, and that takes a lot of courage.”

Rode, who says she is dealing with several mental disorders with similar symptoms that complicate a diagnosis, went through detox at her local VA. They found her a place in the Power of Women Embracing Recovery or POWER Program at Coatesville VA Medical Center. 

The POWER Program is a residential rehabilitation program offering residential, evidence-based treatment to eligible female Veterans with substance use disorders, mental health problems, and homelessness. Veterans begin the journey to long-term sobriety and strong mental health by taking an active roll in their recovery and wellness. Women are commonly treated for anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or military sexual trauma at the same time. 

Embracing recovery
The POWER program can be as short as one month or Veterans can decide to stay as long as 3 months, depending on their treatment goals. 

Kimberlette Little, a licensed clinical social worker, is the team lead for the POWER Program and attributes Veteran satisfaction to their ability to access a wealth of additional resources on the medical center campus. The available financial and legal advice helps address the everyday stressors that can trigger relapse. The religious, nutrition, music and physical activities allow them to explore new interests. 

The treatment team saw a change in Rode’s within the first week. 

“Being successful and avoiding relapse requires each woman to be an active participant in the shared decision-making process. Each Veteran collaborates with their primary therapist and other members of their treatment team to achieve their individual goals. Veterans understand that long-term recovery requires ongoing commitment.” 

“At first, I was like, I only wanna do the minimum. I don't wanna do anything more; and then [the program] grew on me,” explains Rode. “I always leave ‘Doms’ early and I always regret it. So, I might as well just give it a chance.”

This time feels different
As her initial discharge date approached, Rode changed her mind about leaving as fast as possible.

“This is like my 8th rehab. I want this to be the last. I feel different about this one because I'm, sick and tired of being sick and tired. And I don't want to ever start over again, so I don't want to do it again.”

Michelle Rode chose to stay in the treatment program for a total of seven weeks. Just two days from her new discharge date, she said she feels better about her odds of not relapsing. 

If you or a Veteran you know is ready to overcome substance use or are seeking mental health care treatment, Coatesville VA helps Veterans on their recovery journey through outpatient and inpatient services.

If you or a Veteran or their loved one and need help right now, dial 988 and then press 1 to receive 24/7, confidential crisis support from a real person with the Veterans Crisis Line.