October 22, 2025 1 p.m. ET

Veterans face a distinct set of challenges in transition that often increase the risk of substance use, mental health struggles, and suicidality. Providers equipped with cultural insight can dramatically improve outcomes.

This webinar, exclusively for North Carolina providers and support agencies providing SUD treatment and support, will cover the distinct cultural and psychological factors that shape veterans' recovery journeys. CHESS Health is proud to present this 60-minute NAADAC-approved continuing education webinar featuring Garret Biss, USMC pilot (Ret.) North Carolina native, TEDx speaker, and recovery advocate. Drawing from his personal journey through anxiety, depression, and SUD following military service, Garret brings both lived experience and professional expertise as co-founder of an addiction recovery residence and creator of the veteran-specific ValiantPath™ program.

While disconnection, loss of authenticity, and diminished sense of meaning are common drivers of addictive behaviors in the general population, these factors are often exacerbated for veterans. Military service instills strong bonds, identity, and a profound sense of meaning; when those are suddenly altered or lost, the impact can be profoundly destabilizing.

 Learning Objectives:

• Identify and assess the unique transition challenges veterans face and determine how these factors contribute to substance use disorders and addictive behaviors.
  
  
• Recognize the root causes of disconnection and loss of authenticity in veterans and evaluate their impact on recovery outcomes.
  
  
• Assess how loss of meaning affects veterans' emotional resilience and self-worth and implement evidence-based strategies to rebuild these foundational elements.
  
  
• Utilize structured approaches to build emotional resilience in veteran populations and guide other providers in applying these methods to improve recovery success.

Additionally, participants will receive practical takeaways, including worksheets, reflection exercises, and resource references that can be used immediately in their work with veterans. Providers will also review veteran-focused resources in the Connections app, including an upcoming veteran huddle / online support meeting hosted by Garret that will be taking place in the app in November.

This NAADAC-approved webinar offers 1.0 continuing education credit.