Paul is an U.S. Army Veteran who was born and raised in Toledo, OH. He is a graduate from Whitmer High School. Paul enlisted in U.S. Army in 1973 right after the United States adopted all-volunteer force during the Vietnam War. He joined the U.S. Army because he is a loyal Patriot and wanted to provide a good life for his pregnant wife. Paul enlisted as aircraft maintenance, or 67Z. Paul went to basic training in Kansas but was injured four weeks into training. He was in recovery for acromioclavicular joint separation, or AC separation, over one and half years. During his time in the hospital, he was inspired by many of Vietnam Veterans he met in for treatment too. After three years in service, Paul received an honorable medical discharge due to his AC separation injury.

Once back in civilian life, Paul found it difficult to re-acclimate and even harder to find a job due to his disability. He became very angry and upset for being pushed out of the service. Paul turned to getting drunk and high to try to get back at the U.S. Army, but only found that he hurt himself and his family. At 35 years of age, Paul turned to the VA for help and received mental health, medical health, and substance use services. He was sober for 28 years until his heart was broken six years ago. Paul spiraled into mental distress leading to drug abuse and gambling addiction. Then 14 months ago, Paul woke up one day and decided it was time to turn his life around. He was experiencing suicidal ideation and he knew it was time to seek help. Paul left everything behind with only the clothes he had on and enrolled into services at the Zepf Center.

Paul first started in Zepf’s Detox 3.5 - 30 day program which he graduated to the 8-week PHP program. Once he graduated PHP program, he progressed to IOP intensive outpatient which is about 6-8 weeks long. After IOP graduation, Paul moved into OP, outpatient program, with successful graduation as well. Paul stated, “The first month and half was really hard, and I didn’t want to stay sober, but I knew it was what I need, and I did want to be sober again, so I stuck to it.” He says he really woke up at one and half months into his treatment and began to really listen and stay alert during group and individual sessions. The substance use program helped link Paul with Zepf Recovery House for stable housing to support him on his continued journey. He also received case management services that helped him set up medical insurance, food stamp benefits, establish income benefits and more. Paul attributes his success to sobriety not only to the substance use teams, but to his psychiatrist and therapist as well. He says, “I do not know where I would be without everyone that has helped me and continues to be there for me in my journey.”

For continued case management and expanded care coordination, Zepf substance use clinician referred Paul to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Program. The CCBHC Team is comprised of 9 team members, which five members are Veterans themselves. The CCBHC is a program specialized to help connect Veterans with VA benefits, targeted case management, expedite access to care, expand care coordination and provide peer support services. Paul was paired with a Health Navigator who works closely with him, other Zepf departments, the VA, community organizations and more to help Paul on his continued journey from survivor to thriver. Paul also receives services from Problem Gambling Treatment Program and Recovery Center for AA meetings. He also loves going to senior center to hang out where he has created new, healthy friendships. Paul is a family man, and his kids are important to him. He is now reconnected to his family and continues to make amends with family and friends. Paul says, “Zepf saved my life, and I am proud to be 14 months sober and counting.” Paul is living proof we are truly stronger together! Our mission here at Zepf is to create hope and recovery through integrated care services. Hope Begins Here.