learned how to contain his demons, if not abolish them.  The New Directions graduate, who works as a nursing assistant for the VA, says he has adopted an “attitude of gratitude” since leaving the program last November.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, James worked in a variety of jobs after separating from the military.   During this period he also began a long, rocky dalliance with cocaine and marijuana.  At times, he was able to get clean for weeks or even months, but he always returned to using drugs – self-medicating as a way tempering his pain. 

James had suffered both physical and emotional abuse from his stepmother, and later, he endured two abusive marriages.  Also, in 1983, James was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle.  The accident left him with broken bones and mild brain damage.

Despite his setbacks, James knew that he wanted to better himself.  He went to nursing school and began a new career in the healthcare industry.  He realized that he had an aptitude for nursing, and that he enjoyed helping people.  Still, his drug problems continued.   He lost jobs and, ultimately, he lost his ability to function as a responsible member of society.

James’ current wife, Cathy, grew increasingly tired of her husband’s drug use.  Noting that many addicts enter rehab after a “nudge from the judge,” James explains that his situation was slightly different.

“I wasn’t court-ordered, I was wife-ordered,” James says about being kicked out of his house and “encouraged” to enter a treatment program.  Although he says it was an adjustment to live in a facility with more than a hundred men, James quickly realized that he had come to the right place.

“The program really gave me a chance to heal, to figure out who I was,” says James.  “You can’t put a price on that type of treatment. It saved my life.”

James spent two years at New Directions – longer than is typical for most residents – but he worked diligently on his recovery, which included mapping out a future life for himself.  He also spent many months trying to find a well paying job.  Finally, in the fall of 2008, the VA offered James a position at one of their convalescent hospitals.  He jumped at the chance to get back to work helping others.

James talks enthusiastically about his nursing job, though he admits that the work is not for everyone.  Much of his time is spent in the hospice unit, caring for veterans who are dying. 

“Our job is to make them as comfortable as possible,” says James, “and we help them maintain their dignity.”

Having overcome his own struggles, James can easily empathize with others who are suffering. 

“It takes a special person to do this type of work,” he says about nursing, “but it’s very rewarding and it’s a great challenge.”