2025 CALL TO ACTION
Warrior definition: ‘A person engaged or experienced in warfare. Broadly: A person engaged in a struggle or conflict.’
Recovery definition: ‘The process of combating a disorder (such as alcoholism) or a real or perceived problem.’
I am Michael O’Connor, an honorably discharged combat veteran of the 2/505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
I escaped from the world’s deadliest prison. Before my escape, I had to go through a world of hurt.
On August 2nd, 2011, I was unlawfully arrested and extorted a large sum of money that I couldn’t provide in Bali, Indonesia. Subsequently, I was transferred to the notorious Kerobokan prison, awaiting trial in one of the world’s most corrupt countries, where drug possession can be punishable by death.
The mafia ruthlessly controlled the prison including the sale and distribution of narcotics in Bali and to the prisoners inside. It was a hell on earth.
My youngest brother helped me escape from the prison and the men who were sent to kill me.
On January 20th, 2023, I finally surrendered. I made a phone call that changed my life.
I learned that the deadliest prison in the world wasn’t in Indonesia or any other country – it was my untreated alcoholism, drug addiction, and trauma.
Untreated alcoholism, drug addiction, and trauma are indifferent and devastating. It is an equal opportunity destroyer and the greatest threat to America, our lives, and our society.
*The number one cause of death in Americans 18 – 45 years of age is Drug Overdose.
*In 2021, 5.1 million military veterans had Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Any Mental Illness (AMI)
In the time it takes you to read this:
- *6 Americans will have died by suicide.
- *12 by drug overdose.
- *20 alcohol-related deaths,.
- *182 will have attempted suicide.
- *856 will have been admitted to the Emergency Department for drug abuse.
In the past five years in America:
- *241,000 Americans have died by suicide.
- *486,000 Americans have died from drug overdose.
- *612,000 Americans have died from alcohol-related deaths.
- This is the same number of deaths as the 9/11 terrorist attacks every four days.
More died in the last five years than all the wars in America’s 250-year history, from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan.
What I also learned was that there is no cure for alcoholism and drug addiction…… but there is a solution.
- **In 2023, an estimated 12,466,000 aged 12 or older received treatment for a substance use disorder.
- **In 2023, around 4.5 million Americans 12 or older (1.6%) received treatment for alcohol use disorder.
- **Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has more than 120,000 groups in more than 175 countries around the world, with almost 2 million members.
In the Warrior Recovery community, the best solution we have found is by working with other alcoholics and addicts.
Every great thing that has happened in my life of sobriety—having a loving wife and sons, rebuilding bonds with family, making new friends and relationships, community, purpose, meaning, and opportunity—has been a direct result of serving others.
Service.
Working with others can be more effective than other methods to maintain continued sobriety. My sobriety is contingent on sharing the message of recovery with individuals, groups, and communities struggling with alcoholism, addiction, and trauma.
We in Warrior Recovery can offer unique help to those still suffering when others cannot. By sharing our actual experiences of recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges, we can build trust and understanding with those in need. Witnessing people reclaim their lives, support one another, and make connections brings new purpose and joy to our lives. This process of recovery and building a supportive community is truly the most potent solution to overcoming addiction and trauma.
While some of us may not have been engaged in warfare, most can relate to being in a struggle or conflict.
A powerful awakening is happening now. Countless warriors inspire us with their experiences, strength, and hope in selflessly serving our communities and great country.
One call was all it took when I surrendered. That, and a sincere desire to change. Since that day, my life has been beyond anything I could have ever imagined.
Your journey has the power to inspire change.
If you, your family, or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, addiction, and trauma, there is help.
Contact:
www.warriorsheart.com
www.frontlinehealingfoundation.org
*Estimates taken from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) the National Center for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) and World Health Organization (WHO).
**Facts about addiction’ American Addiction Centers.
