Warriors Heart announces 8 Holiday Sobriety Reminders for Military, Veterans and First Responders

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Dec. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- To help the over 13 million+ American military, veterans and first responders struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, Warriors Heart residential treatment program announces eight reminders for how to stay sober over the holidays. With an average of 20 veteran suicides per day in the U.S. and 1 Law Enforcement Officer every 62.5 hours, these reminders are for both warriors and the public to support those in sobriety.

The Holiday Season can be especially challenging for protectors, who often work long shifts, and can feel alone. This can lead to excessive drinking and suicidal thoughts, especially if they are having a hard time coping with trauma or other events. Many veterans, after separation from the military, become law enforcement officers and firefighters. These jobs bring similar challenges by working in high-intensity environments "on the frontline" for the greater good in order to keep us all safe.

During a time when pressure to drink or use is at a peak, the Warriors Heart team encourages those in long-term sobriety to resist temptation and everyone else to respect those who do not want to drink:

8 Holiday Sobriety Reminders for Military, Veterans and First Responders:

1. Plan ahead before a social or holiday themed event (have a sober plan)
2. Avoid high-risk scenarios where people pressure you to drink
3. Bookend events with support meetings
4. Rehearse what you'll say when offered a drink
5. Find ways to serve others and give back
6. Don't neglect self-care during the holidays
7. Stay connected with supportive people
8. Keep thoughts in perspective to focus on the big picture

To support protectors who may be struggling with addiction, Warriors Heart adds that a sincere thank you can go a long way. After 21 years of service in the U.S. Army, Former Special Forces and Warriors Heart Co-Founder Tom Spooner also struggled with chemical dependency, PTS and MTBI. Spooner is grateful to be in long-term recovery and be surrounded by a loving family and support network of peers. Since retiring from the service, Spooner has dedicated his life to helping his Brothers and Sisters heal from addiction, PTSD, mild TBI and other recurring issues.

Spooner asks the public to join in his mission to heal our protectors and encourages the community to give sincere thank you's, especially over the holidays. Spooner expands; "While many intend to show gratitude to a veteran or first responder by saying, "Thank you for your service," this statement is not always received well." Instead, a sincere and humble thank you is more appreciated. For example, say something with more meaning such as 'Thank you for all you have done for me and my family.' Just make your words more personal.

Former Law Enforcement Officer and Warriors Heart Co-Founder Lisa Lannon recently explained on Dr. Drew Midday Live with Lauren Sivan, "It's often a thankless and sometimes unappreciated position, so just telling them we appreciate them and support them, having a conversation, 'how are you doing today?' goes a long way. If they are in line to buy a coffee or dinner, sometimes just buying that meal for them is nice" (buying it anonymously is great when possible).

And during this season of giving, Warriors Heart Foundation a 501 (c)(3) is accepting donations to help heal our protectors. This foundation supplements insurance costs and provides some scholarships at Warriors Heart to help our military, veterans and first responders get the treatment they need and deserve. http://warriorsheartfoundation.org

Media Contact for Warriors Heart:
Liz Kelly: 310-987-7207

About Warriors Heart (Bandera, Texas near San Antonio):
Warriors Heart provides the first and only private accredited treatment program in the U.S. for "Warriors Only" (military, veterans and first responders) faced with the self-medicating struggles of alcohol addiction, prescription and drug addiction, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), mild TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and other recurring issues in a private, 40-bed facility on a 543-acre ranch. Along with a minimum 42-day peer-to-peer residential treatment program, Warriors Heart gives "Warriors" the option of Day Treatment, Outpatient, and Sober Living (60-day minimum). Warriors Heart's work has been featured on CBS Health Watch, KENS5 CBS San Antonio, FOX 10 Phoenix, CBS 46 Atlanta, NBC Bay Area, ABC 10 San Diego, and in Forbes, Chicago Tribune, The American Legion Magazine, Addiction Pro magazine, San Antonio Express-News and many more. There is a 24-hour Warriors Heart hotline (844-448-2567) answered by warriors. http://warriorsheart.com

SOURCE Warriors Heart