Music Therapy Helps Former Army Veteran Tamara Evans Maintain Sobriety

Tier Talk

Music Therapy Helps Former Army Veteran Tamara Evans Maintain Sobriety Anthony Gangi, host of the Tier Talk podcast on CorrectionsOne, is joined by former addict, student and musician Tamara Evans. Tamara is a Transformations Treatment Center alumna and mentions the difficult time she had making the transition from military life back to the real world, “There’s nothing like that bond I had in the military. That transition back to civilian life is something that takes getting used to.” Anthony mentions how it can be extremely difficult for veterans, law enforcement and first responders to relate to people that don’t have the same experiences as they do so, it’s often difficult for veterans to share their story. But at some point, Tamara realized she needed help. “My addiction was internalized but I didn’t want to admit that I had a drinking problem. It meant letting myself down and letting the people around me down. At a certain point, it became undeniable that I had a problem but the number one priority was that no one find out I had a problem.” Tamara says she was pretty close to dying before she reached out for help. She finally contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs who sent her to the VA in West Palm Beach, Florida. After detox, she ended up at Transformations Treatment Center in Delray Beach. Tamara plays the guitar and was really excited when she found out about Transformations veterans program and their Soundpath music therapy program. “I probably got honest with the guys in the music program before I got honest with anyone else. That upfront but loving approach got me to feel safe enough to start opening up. As I started to transition out of treatment and back into the real world, my band became one of the tools I use in recovery. It almost feels like the people have my back the way that they did in the service. The music community here makes me realize that I have a purpose and that, if I allow myself to put my guard down and share honestly with people, I can become the women I’m supposed to be.” She also mentions how sharing her experiences with other people is one way she is able to give back to the community. Tamara is leading by example, if she can do it, then so can you! Transformations Treatment Center is a premier treatment facility in Delray Beach, Florida.