BALTIMORE — A local veteran's struggle with addiction leads to helping others.
John Jeffery, 33, joined the Army at 18 before deploying to Afghanistan.
Upon returning to the U.S., he struggled with PTSD and substance use.
It became an addiction, ultimately ending his military service career.
Jeffery sought treatment in Virginia, but relapsed and was kicked out.
With nowhere else to turn, his aunt took him to the Baltimore VA Medical Center.
Jeffery's been in recovery for nearly 6 years.
He now works as a peer recovery specialist for others struggling with addiction.
"It's really been life changing to be able to have the opportunity to help other people who are struggling in the way I was struggling," said Jeffery.
Dr. Minu Aghevli, a harm reduction coordinator at the Baltimore VA Medical Center has seen Jeffery's progress first-hand.
"It's really exciting to see how far he's come and how awesome he's doing," said Dr. Aghevli.
Any veteran struggling with addiction, can visit this website.