PHAP credited with saving Airman's life: Part 2 of 2 Published April 30, 2013 By Senior Airman Shen-Chia McHone 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Alcohol abuse is becoming a norm for people in the United States. Approximately 1 out of 6 people have a drinking problem and approximately 80,000 deaths are attributable to excessive alcohol use each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tech. Sgt. Todd Walsh, 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, drank excessively until he hit rock bottom. "I started drinking when I was 9 years old. My father was the main influence," said Walsh. His ex-wife, father, grandmother and grandfather were all alcoholics. "My ex-wife was a heavy drinker. I started to drink along with her, but her alcoholism got worse. Ultimately, I had to choose between getting my life back or stay in the marriage with the alcohol issue," said Walsh. Walsh was only an occasional drinker until 2010, when things took a turn for the worse. He felt his life was over with his divorce and filing for bankruptcy, so he drank beer and a bottle of vodka every day when he felt stressed. "I didn't start drinking excessively until these things began to happen," he said. "Alcohol is a depressant that helps relax you for awhile, but people are prone to be addicts and you get to a point where stopping doesn't happen, it just escalates." Excessive drinking wreaked havoc on Walsh's life. He was in a coma for three weeks due to drinking. He was also in and out of the hospital more than seven times, served time in jail, went to an alcohol camp, wrecked two vehicles and was out of work for four months. "I almost lost my house, my job, everything. Once you've almost lost everything, you'll do anything to keep that." Thanks to Lt. Col. George Palmer, (former) 445th AMXS commander, who made a call to the Psychological Health Advocacy Program, Walsh was able to get the help he needed. "Walsh is a patriot warrior who has served faithfully until succumbing to the influence of alcohol," said Colonel Palmer. "As a commander, it is my job to take care of my troops, and I'm glad that PHAP was able to help." "I had a lot of support through the unit," said Walsh. "I'm very thankful that Colonel Palmer was a big influence in calling PHAP. I'm very grateful for the Air Force who gave me a lot of support and for the help I've received." Jennifer Wedel, 445th PHAP case facilitator, called Walsh every three days, checking on him regularly. She also helped him find the Clermont County Recovery Center for aid. Walsh started getting treatment for alcoholism through a long six-month program, to include group therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous. "I wasn't afraid of using PHAP. It was confidential and it helped me. I would recommend AA, it gives you plenty of people to talk to, and go through counseling because they help to keep accountability and support," said Walsh. "I'm glad to have support from my friends, family and co-workers. If it wasn't for my unit, I probably wouldn't be alive." Walsh hasn't had a drink since July 8, 2012. "What got me through this were people at work and my parents. Now, I enjoy coming to work and being around friends because they give support," said Walsh. "Don't be afraid to let people know you need help. Get help before you hit rock bottom." "In my mind and in my heart, I know that Jennifer Wedel is the real hero in this situation," said Palmer. "She was able to reach Todd in a way I could not and she never gave up on him." For information or assistance, contact the PHAP Office at (937) 257-2396, or Jennifer Wedel at (937) 470-5544. E-mail contact is AFRC.PHAP@us.af.mil or jennifer.wedel.ctr@wpafb.af.mil. Editor's note: This is part two of a two-part series about the Psychological Health Advocacy Program.