Nick Padlo was a sophomore at West Point when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He would go on to serve two tours of duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Armed with an MBA from Stanford University, Padlo made a good transition to the civilian sector, taking a job with a successful business. It seemed he had the world at his feet. But all was not well in his life. He experienced a divorce and along the way he started drinking and experimenting with drugs. The feelings that he was trying to numb became worse because of his addictions. On 2018 he found himself in a Dallas hotel with a half empty bottle of liquor and a gun trying to decide if that would be his last day on earth. Instead, he did a web search for rehab. Padlo clarifies that if someone is asking themselves if they are drinking too much, or if family members suggest it, then there is a 90% certainty that there is a problem. “When you start having negotiations with yourself, you’ve crossed some sort of a line.” He says the main question one should ask is whether the relationship with alcohol is blessing you and your family. Padlo had to do rehab twice before it “took”. Padlo shares three issues that are particular to Veterans that can complicate addiction and recovery. Padlo committed to devote the rest of his career to helping other people dealing with addictions and he founded Sophros Recovery. In mythology “Sophrosyne” describes a well-balanced state that leads to temperance, moderation and prudence.  While Sophros is affiliated with all major insurances, they also have scholarships they can offer. “If we can’t help you we will find someplace that will.” TAKEAWAY: “Nothing changes if nothing changes. If you are hearing this and need some help or know someone who does – do something!"