From Combat to Recovery: John Schrey's Journey Through PTSD and Addiction
Episode Overview
John Schrey's military service and combat experiences. The impact of PTSD on his life post-service. Struggles with addiction leading to homelessness. The crucial role of family and support systems in his recovery. Finding purpose by helping other veterans through their recovery journeys.
I started to realise that like, that's... so when I was drinking and drugging in the Marine Corps, I had that purpose, so it kept me afloat.
In this gripping episode of The Mindful Space, host Michelle Chaffardet sits down with John Schrey, a Marine Corps veteran who has faced the harsh realities of PTSD and addiction. John opens up about his journey from the intense combat zones of Afghanistan to battling homelessness and substance abuse upon his return. Raised in a turbulent household with brothers struggling with addiction, John vowed never to follow the same path but found himself caught in the same destructive cycle.
His story is a raw and honest portrayal of how he eventually found hope and recovery through the unwavering support of his wife, daughter, and a dedicated 12-step programme. John shares vivid memories of his time in the Marine Corps, describing the mental and physical challenges he faced during boot camp and combat. He talks about the camaraderie among soldiers and how the loss of fellow Marines impacted him deeply.
After returning home, he struggled to adjust to civilian life, feeling more comfortable in chaos than in the stability of his family life. It was in the darkest moments, sleeping in abandoned buildings and feeling utterly hopeless, that John decided to give recovery a real shot. Now, clean and sober for over five years, John works at a recovery centre, helping other veterans who face similar struggles.
He emphasises the importance of finding purpose in recovery and how helping others has given him a new lease on life. His story is not just about overcoming addiction but also about finding a sense of purpose and community in the journey to sobriety. John's narrative is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible even in the face of immense challenges. His experiences offer hope and inspiration to anyone struggling with addiction or PTSD.
Tune in to hear John's heartfelt story and learn how he turned his life around.