Army Veteran Tommy Jenkins grew up in Camden, Arkansas, and served in Germany from 1976 through 1979 when he left the service. “Until I left the military, I never left the state. I started dabblin’ in drugs and alcohol around eleven when an older boy, one of my sports heroes, offered me a beer and a joint.”
He continued, “ I came back and got a job building rocket motors at Atlantic Research, a military defense contractor, and worked there for eleven years. I married a girl I had known since kindergarten and I had always known she was going to be my wife. We had three kids. All my family is here in Arkansas.”
“When I moved out of my parent’s house I thought I was grown. But I had trouble after the military; the transition back wasn’t as seamless as I thought it would be. I’ve been to rehab several times. The first time to keep my job, the next time to keep my wife, and the next to save myself. Each time it worked for a while, but it didn’t stick. My wife and I separated. But then my grandkids came along. One day my grandson told me “Papa, you need to quit smokin’,“ and that did it. He didn’t know what I was doin’; he meant cigarettes, but that was enough. I started trying to stay clean. Then I had several losses; my brother was murdered, my sister died from Multiple sclerosis and my mother from a stroke, each death in the summer. This time of year is tough. I saw it happening again and thought “I’m heading it off this time. ” I got in touch with the Day Treatment Center and Garry and got in here.”
Mr. Jenkins is working hard on his mental health. He goes to meetings daily and maintains a good support system. “I have a best friend and mentor who’s been through it but doesn’t drink or use and I can call him anytime. I have my sponsor and my wife- we get along great, my kids, seven grandkids, and three great-grands. I’ve learned never to say I will never, but I can say “I’m not doing it today.” I’m taking it seriously, not tricking other people or myself.”
Mr. Jenkins leaned back in his chair, a huge smile on his face, “I’m not high today!”