Comprehensive Work Therapy helps Veteran beat substance abuse

Tai Do spent six years as a soldier and 22-years at work with the Postal Service. He had a successful career, a home, a solid purpose and sense of belonging, and the financial ability to help his family. Life was good for Do.

But then everything took a horrible turn.

Do lost his parents to illness in quick succession, and he turned to drugs and alcohol to quell his sadness and cope with reality. In December 2019, he lost his job, his home, his car to repossession, and spiraled into a suicidal depression.

“I never thought I’d be one of those people I’d seen standing in lines for food near a homeless shelter,” he said.

Desperation led Do to an ill-conceived idea of renting a car to live in despite not having a way to pay for it. After the car was reported stolen, Do was arrested and found himself in front of a judge in a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). He was quickly released but was still homeless.

VTCs are community initiatives that work to help Veterans get treatment for their unique clinical needs within the context of the criminal justice system. Local courts administer these programs and tailor program elements to their jurisdictions, so eligibility and processes vary. “All I could think of was getting my dog and my cat back. Nothing else mattered,” he added.

New to VA, he went in for a flu shot

Deciding to get out of the cold one day, Do went to the North Texas VA for a flu shot. Having never been to a VA or used its services, medical center staff recommended he enroll and speak with a mental health specialist. Do received care and was selected for the Comprehensive Work Therapy program (CWT).

CWT is a VA clinical vocational rehabilitation program that provides vocational rehabilitation services. It has partnerships with business, industry and government agencies to provide Veteran candidates for employment and supports.

“I could tell there was something different about Tai right away,” said Susan Sangiorgi, North Texas VA mental health physician assistant. “He said he was ready for a change and I knew he would do whatever he could to make that change.”

Sangiorgi helped Do understand and process his depression. He channeled his love for cooking with a local charitable organization where he prepares meals for others who were experiencing homelessness.

“Susan showed me compassion and helped me remember that I mattered,” Do said.

“Helping me honor my mother’s memory.”

Do is no longer standing in a food line. He’s fulfilling the promise of giving back that he made to himself four years ago. He is once again enjoying life. “I knew that preparing meals would help me honor my mother’s memory and I’ll continue doing this as long as they let me,” he said.

Do’s newest passion is education. He’s attending college and hopes to become a rehabilitation counselor. “I know I can help others who just need someone to show them compassion and empathy.”