I've been frustrated by the system before, but everyone I ever interacted with before has been awesome. Until...

I got a DUI over a year ago and had to do a substance abuse program. I went with the VA's VARC program. It was a solid program, I put effort into learning and stayed sober throughout it. For the last day my counselor said she would send a letter to my probation officer.

From the VARC program I transitioned to aftercare which was 2 days a week instead of three and a lot less formal. I was extremely tempted to drink once VARC was over (I think there was 5 or 6 days between the end of VARC and beginning of aftercare).

I didn't do well with suddenly being less accountable and ended up drinking. I skipped the first and maybe 2nd aftercare meeting and admitted to drinking. I also told my counselor the probation officer never received her letter.

She said she could not resend the letter and tried referring me to a 5 day a week programming. I refused. I contacted her boss and left a message explaining that I was feeling punished and manipulated by her actions. I also said I needed to understand how her actions were ethical as I was willing to admit I may not be seeing the situation clearly. No return phone call led me to believe she was not being ethical and I was in the right to be pissed.

As a result I had to seek out another program and have my probation extended. This was maybe three months ago and thinking about it makes me think I was wrong to let this issue die. I'm getting ahold of the patient advocate tomorrow. If anyone has any other suggestions or resources I would appreciate knowing about them.