Overcoming Addiction and Homelessness as a Veteran

Jay Wylie, a Navy veteran, shares his journey from addiction and career loss to sobriety and purpose. After being relieved of command and facing a public downfall due to alcoholism, Jay turned his life around through recovery and now dedicates himself to helping veterans and first responders battling addiction and homelessness. As a leader at Confidential Recovery and the Veterans Navigation Center, he provides veterans with resources, peer support, and structured recovery programs. Jay discusses how trauma, shame, and fear can fuel substance abuse and why community support is essential for lasting change. 00:02:30 - Struggling with alcoholism and self-destruction 00:06:45 - Losing command and hitting rock bottom 00:12:15 - The moment Jay sought help and began recovery 00:20:30 - Confidential Recovery and Veterans Navigation Center 00:30:45 - Breaking the stigma around addiction and seeking help 00:45:15 - How veterans can find support and take the first step toward recoveryLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Confidential Recovery: www.confidentialrecovery.com Veterans Navigation Center: www.veteransnavigationcenter.orgTranscriptView the transcript for this episode.