Navy SEAL Dr. Tony Dice on PTSD, Drug Addiction, and Helping Veterans Rebuild Their Lives

Dr. Tony Dice, Navy SEAL, firefighter, paramedic, therapist, author, and CEO of Bishop & Dice Defense, joins us to share one of the most powerful recovery stories we’ve ever featured. Tony describes how his early desire to “be a hero” led him into fire rescue, ambulance work, and ultimately the Navy SEAL teams — where camaraderie, trauma, and culture normalized heavy drinking and emotional suppression.Tony explains how addiction took root long before he realized it, escalating from alcohol to cocaine, ecstasy, and eventually crystal meth. He describes the moment his addiction broke him: being unable to leave a room for hours to pick up his young son during a swine flu exposure. That moment led him to treatment at the Farley Center, where he embraced 12‑Step recovery and rebuilt his life.Tony breaks down why 12‑Step recovery works, connecting each step to established therapeutic models:Steps 1–3 → Stages of ChangeSteps 4–5 → Narrative TherapySteps 6–9 → Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Steps 10–12 → Existential TherapyThis framework became Tony’s Holistic Change Model (HC‑Mod), now used to help therapists understand the deep psychological transformation that occurs in 12‑Step programs.Tony also discusses:Why high‑performers (military, first responders, law enforcement) often hide their strugglesHow adrenaline, trauma, and emotional compulsivity fuel addictionWhy “competent heroes” are often the last to seek helpHow Bishop & Dice Defense builds trust with agencies before introducing mental health supportWhy his book After the Trident is helping veterans and first responders healTony’s story is a testament to resilience, service, and the power of recovery — and a reminder that even our strongest heroes need help too. His bio is impressive.Tony is a nationally recognized counselor, presenter, and addiction specialist. He developed the Holistic Change Model (HC‑Mod), which maps the 12‑Step recovery process to established therapeutic frameworks, helping clinicians better support clients in recovery. He has presented at national and international conferences, published in the field of mental health, and teaches addiction and human services at Old Dominion University.His book, After the Trident: A Navy SEAL’s Battle with Secret Shame and Addiction, chronicles his journey from service‑related trauma and addiction to recovery and purpose.