A road to recovery, 50 years sober
In the early years of his life, Navy Veteran Gary Duncan was spiraling out of control.
His first marriage collapsed due to alcohol abuse and Duncan’s second marriage ended early when his wife’s life was taken by a drunk driver. Alcohol became a crutch for him and was a way to numb the pain and silence the demons that tormented him.
Duncan was at the end of himself. But even broken and in his darkest moments, a flicker of hope and light came to him. He knew he could not continue this path. He needed help.
Even today, Duncan remembers his first car ride to his local VA hospital in the back of a police car for detox treatment in 1974. The following day, Duncan made a return trip to the hospital after he was released. He recalled this day being a pivotal moment. He was offered to join the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro but declined.
However, the following day, he changed his mind and returned to the program. Duncan’s mother drove him to Murfreesboro and had a very forthright and truthful statement, “Gary, everyone sees how you live, except you. You’re the only one who doesn’t get it.” Those words were penetrating, and Duncan knew he needed a change.
At first, he was met with skepticism. After all, he had been drinking heavily for years. But the staff at Alvin C. York VA saw a glimmer of hope in Duncan. They offered him a bed, a warm meal, and a chance to start over.
Duncan embraced the opportunity with both hands. He attended therapy sessions, joined support groups, and began to rebuild his life. The road to recovery was not easy, but with the support of VA and newfound friends he made in the recovery program, Duncan persevered.
RRTP is located at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center. The RRTP is a voluntary program and provides high quality, comprehensive programming using evidence-based, Veteran-centered practices. The program offers state-of-the-art residential rehabilitation and treatment services for Veterans with treatment for substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Michael Gulley, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) psychiatric nurse practitioner stated, “Each Veteran is assigned to an individual therapist and receives one on one care. Veterans are involved in programs throughout the day that includes groups sessions such as occupational therapy, Whole Health, and even dietitians are involved, it’s definitely a broader scope of treatment. RRTP is connected to a lot of different services.”
With years of issues, Duncan’s turning point was not simple. However, the kindness he saw at VA gave him hope to try anew.
“I had been in numerous situations with detox and programs, and I could not quit drinking. When I arrived at VA, it was the kindness of the staff and the program itself that really touched me. I look back at that, and it was the starting point for my recovery. Now, I also know I looked to God, as I understood Him due to the witness of family and friends.”
Gulley added, “We have done a really good job with being more individualized in Veteran care and matching the needs of the program to what the Veteran feels like their needs are when they come in.”
Today, Duncan is 50 years sober. Forty-five years of marriage, nine children and 23 grandchildren are a testament and a reminder of the journey he has taken to the depths of despair to the heights of recovery.
“I have a life I could not have imagined if not for this opportunity from VA,” Duncan said softly.
And so, Duncan's story serves as a testament to the power of hope, redemption, and the unwavering support of those who have served the country.
To learn more about TVHS RRTP services and how Veterans can make an appointment, visit TVHS Website, or call the team at (615) 225-5420 or (615) 867-6000 ext. 20467.