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Session Description
Session Description
The transition from military to civilian life presents unique challenges that can lead veterans to substance use disorder (SUD), mental health struggles, and suicidal ideation—which veterans face at twice the rate of their civilian peers. The loss of identity, connection, and purpose after service often fuels destructive coping mechanisms, increasing the risk of addiction and suicide. In this engaging session, Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps pilot and veteran recovery advocate, will explore the psychological and emotional impacts of military transition. Attendees will gain practical strategies to better understand, engage, and support veterans in prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. This session blends personal insight, evidence-based research, and interactive exercises to provide professionals with actionable tools for addressing veteran-specific challenges in addiction treatment and mental health. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of SUD in veterans and a framework for fostering resilience, connection, and sustainable recovery in any population they serve.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to describe how loss of identity, connection, and purpose after military service contributes to substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health struggles among veterans.
Participants will be able to identify at least three risk factors that increase SUD and suicide rates in veterans, as well as three protective factors that promote resilience and recovery.
Participants will be able to implement a strengths-based, connection-driven strategy to help veterans build resilience, purpose, and sustainable recovery in treatment and community support settings.
Presenter
Presenter
Garret Biss is a retired Marine Corps pilot and dedicated advocate for veterans, specializing in mental health, resilience, and recovery coaching. After facing his own challenges with anxiety, depression, and addiction following his military service, Garret developed a unique approach to recovery that emphasizes self-worth, identity, and the inherent strengths veterans bring to civilian life. As the founder of Diamond Mind, LLC, he delivers transformational workshops and coaching programs, including the Veteran-specific ValiantPath™️ and Warrior Reset initiatives. Garret is the co-founder of an addiction recovery residence, providing leadership and developing a curriculum rooted in positive psychology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) from Auburn University. A TEDx Speaker, Garret’s thought-provoking talk, The Unspoken Trauma All Veterans Face, shares his personal insights into the struggles Veterans encounter. Through his speaking, writing, and leadership, Garret aims to inspire Veterans to thrive beyond military service.
Questions?
Questions?
Please contact Dr. Natalie Ricciutti at nricciut@charlotte.edu or 704-687-8960 if you have questions regarding the program.
Please contact Dr. Jordan Z. Boyd at jboyd44@charlotte.edu if you have questions regarding registration.
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