The military is not a normal lifestyle for most of us. Depending on what sort of life you were living, the degree of difference may have come as a major change that you didn't adapt to naturally. This probably triggered a tendency toward mental illness--nothing had awakened it in you before.

Winter up north, when you're used to winter in the South--for example--would be both a physical as well as a mental shock. Stressful. You "intentionally overdosed on drugs, had to drink to be social, depressed out my mind, anxiety was high." Wow!!

Stress gives people strokes and heart attacks. The amount of stress you must have been under must have been under must have been enormous. The military ought to have seen the signs and taken steps to help you.

Because your stress wasn't handled professionally, you're now suffering the results. I'm so so sorry.

Are you getting veteran benefits? I hope so. You ought to be seeing a therapist and a psychiatrist--taking a mix of medications to help with the anxiety and depression/bipolar issues. It's important that you get the benefits due you.

Welcome to PsychCentral and please post as much as you can, connecting with folks who've had similar experiences.

Roadie