By Marcus Hart

07/02/2025

Ever wonder why veterans, after serving our country, can’t afford to heal from addiction? In states like Wyoming, rehab costs $65,975—way more than the $49,303 most vets earn. I’m Marcus Hart, a combat vet who’s fought PTSD, and with Dr. Tyler B. Evans, we’re exposing this dirty trick and showing you how to fight back with faith.

Yo, Transformers, it’s Marcus Hart—your brother who’s been through the fire of Iraq and PTSD’s dark cave. When I learned rehab costs in 15 states outprice a veteran’s income, I felt that old rage bubble up. On The Transform U! Live Show, I teamed up with Dr. Tyler B. Evans, a public health warrior and author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics, to dig into this crisis. This ain’t just numbers—it’s our heroes getting priced out of hope.

The Financial Wall

Dr. Evans dropped a truth bomb: in Wyoming, rehab averages $65,975, while veterans scrape by on $49,303. In Wisconsin, it’s 104.1% of their income. That’s a wall most can’t climb. I’ve faced VA delays and legal fights—systems that make you feel like you’re screaming into a void. Addiction’s tough enough without a price tag that says, “Stay broken.”

Ghost Networks Steal Hope

Then there’s “ghost networks”—clinics listed but not really there. Dr. Evans called it a “systemic betrayal” for veterans seeking substance use help. I’ve been on those dead-end calls, feeling like the system gave up on me. We need more community health workers, not just doctors, to open real doors to recovery.

Faith Fuels the Fight

Here’s the spark: faith can change the game. My 3-Minute Prayer Guide pulled me out of despair, and Dr. Evans says hope—through community or faith—builds resilience. His Wellness and Equity Alliance pushes for equitable care, proving vets aren’t alone. It’s like God’s saying, “I got you, warrior.”

Steps to Freedom

Dr. Evans laid out real moves:

• Push for Medicaid Waivers: Make rehab affordable.

• Support Community Programs: Back local recovery efforts.

• Advocate Loudly: Demand policy fixes for vets.
  Start small, like I did with prayer, and check out Dr. Evans’s book for the big picture.

Conclusion & CTA:

Our veterans deserve a fighting chance, not a bill they can’t pay. Dr. Evans and I are calling you to action—start with faith, end with freedom. Download my FREE 3-Minute Prayer Guide at marcus-hart.com, book a coaching call to break through, and visit wellnessequityalliance.org for Dr. Evans’s book. Comment below: what’s one step you’re taking for a vet? Join our Shameless Faith Church Sundays at 7 PM CST on YouTube. Peace and love, y’all!

Tags: Veteran Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Faith Based Recovery, Mental Health Coaching, Health Equity

Extra for you

Try a 3-minute prayer today. Snag my free 3-Minute Prayer Guide at marcus-hart.com—it’s got verses and prompts to keep you anchored. Want more? My book Transform U: Unlocking Leadership Potential through Faith and Psychology (on Amazon) digs into how faith and mental health vibe together.