You CAN Get Better
“Therapy is not easy, but the only way to get better is to reach out for help. You can get better.” —Scott Yunik, U.S. Army Veteran
Scott Yunik served in the U.S. Army from 2007-2011, including a year-long deployment in Iraq. He came to VA Butler Healthcare for the first time this spring for substance abuse treatment and currently resides at VA Butler’s Domiciliary.
VA Butler’s 56-bed Domiciliary is a residential facility on VA Butler’s main campus for Veterans who may be dealing with issues such as homelessness, mental health, substance abuse and unemployment. Residents participate in a full range of rehabilitation services including physical, behavioral, spiritual, psychosocial, addiction counseling, vocational, dietary, occupational therapy and intervention.
Scott has already participated in many VA programs during his stay, including Veteran ‘X’, psychotherapy, community re-entry, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and the VA2K Walk and Roll Event. He is also early-on in treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at VA Butler.
“Having PTSD does not limit you to a life of misery and isolation. Therapy is not easy, but the only way to get better is to reach out for help. You can get better.”
While learning to be around people again and dealing with anxiety have been challenging for Scott, support from VA staff has been very helpful in his recovery. “Everyone on staff here has been amazingly helpful and truly wants only the best for us,” he said. To other Veterans, he advises: “The services and programs are there for you, but you have to advocate for yourself.”
One way Scott is learning to advocate for himself is through Veteran ‘X.’ Veteran ‘X’ focuses on providing Veterans the opportunity to take an active role in choosing treatment goals and finding solutions to problems they may be facing. In the program, Veteran ‘X’ has a number of challenges similar to those faced by the group’s participants. While helping Veteran ‘X’ to solve his issues, participants gain valuable skills and information to resolve their own issues.
From substance abuse and PTSD treatment, to group recovery through Veteran ‘X,’ VA Butler has the programs, services, support, and more for Veterans. Recovery is possible, and VA Butler is here to help. Learn more about the many programs and services available at www.butler.va.gov/services.
