Battle with the Bottle! Navy Commander on quitting drinking, mission to help vets get sober

Thinking you might need to stop drinking? This episode is for you.As we kick off the New Year, many folks attempt to give up alcohol in what’s commonly called “Dry January”. But for many veterans, drinking becomes more than just a social vice … it can have dangerous, criminal and even deadly consequences.We talked with former Navy Destroyer Commanding Officer, Jay Wylie, who shared his battle with booze, and how drinking went from a coping mechanism, to collapsing his military career.Tracing the origins of his drinking to college, Wylie described a military culture that appeared to embrace it. He shared a remorseful look at his drinking problem, “I ended up getting so drunk and stupid on liberty with a couple of female crew members, that I broke every rule in the Captain’s book.”    His booze-fueled behavior eventually led to conviction on sexual assault charges, which resulted in; being relieved of command of USS Momsen (DDG-92), court martialed, and sentenced to 42 months.In hindsight Wylie revealed, “as painful as that was… that’s what it took to get me sober.”He also shared the steps he personally took to end the destructive pattern caused by his out of control drinking.Now with 13 years of sobriety, he’s dedicated to helping other veterans quit drugs and alcohol.Wylie also shared how his work with Confidential Recovery, in San Diego, helps guide clients through the 12-Step process, and works with VA recovery services to help vets get the treatment they need, before suffering severe alcohol related consequences.He also offers insight on whether cannabis is helpful, or just another vice.As veterans (and even non-veterans) look to goals of self-improvement in the new year, Wylie’s story reveals there is hope and resources for veterans searching for a way to break the cycle and begin a better life. Learn more about Confidential Recovery here: https://www.confidentialrecovery.com/ For more resources check out Veteran Navigation Center here: https://veteransnavigationcenter.org/ Contact Phil Briggs, Host, CBS Eye on Veterans [email protected] Follow on X: @philbriggsVet @EyeonVeterans @connectingvets