TDS wrote:
I've deployed to Iraq and am currently in Afghanistan. I'll be out of the Army after this deployment and I'm moving with my loving and understanding wife of 4 years about 30 minutes away from my parents. Over the last five years I've abused alcohol a lot as a coping mechanism. Like I said, I'm just now trying to work on my issues. This is mainly because it's just now becoming evident to me that a lot of my problems stem from the incredible guilt I still feel. Heavy guilt was forced into me growing up and I'm still trying to overcome it. Anyways, I appreciate you reading my story and I'm really hoping this place will help.
First of all ... g'day and welcome to the forum Tim!     

You've had quite a journey to date and hopefully you will find some peace in here.    You're amongst people who truly and instinctively understand what you've been through

Don't rush working out your issues ... take one baby step and a time and keep talking to your wife about how you're feeling and what you're going through.    If she finds it hard to understand at times ... then send her in here and get her to have a good old romp around.     It may help her to understand just how much guilt, fear and indoctrination you were subjected to from birth.       I was also born into a JW family (not an elder's family  thankfully) and also chose not to be baptised, then left when I was just over 18.   It was scary and yet liberating all in one but nearly three decades later ... I have no regret and no guilt!    You CAN get rid of the guilt