Ep. 58 - Sazha Ramos: How One Navy Veteran Overcame Opioid Addiction and Found Her Path to Helping Other Veterans
Description
Navy veteran Saja Ramos shares her powerful journey from military service to addiction recovery, now serving as VP of Military and Veteran Affairs at American Addiction Centers. After a traumatic brain injury and vision loss from a car accident in Italy, she transformed her personal struggle with opioid addiction into a mission helping other veterans find treatment and purpose.
• Joined the Navy in 2008 after high school, working in Information Technology in Sicily, Italy
• Suffered a car accident resulting in TBI, PTSD, and vision loss in her right eye
• Medically transitioned from service in 2011, leading to struggles with opioid addiction
• Completed four months in residential treatment and nine months in sober living
• Earned degrees in interdisciplinary studies and social work using her GI Bill
• Now helps veterans access addiction treatment at American Addiction Centers
• Works with clinical teams to ensure veterans receive appropriate, specialized care
• Advocates for better veteran screening and assessment in healthcare settings
• Challenges the stigma around veteran identity, especially for women and non-combat veterans
• Practices "recovering out loud" to inspire others on their journey to healing
For veterans seeking help with addiction or substance use disorders, call American Addiction Centers at 866-288-1836 or reach Saja directly at 908-239-6417.
United States
