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Tommy was raised in New York’s Staten Island.  He was eleven years old when his father gave him his first drink, declaring Tommy to “be a man, now.”  But his regular drinking started age 13 with friends.  His mother beat him when he came home dru

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17:3911 Jan 2020

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Tommy's Journey: From Staten Island to Sobriety

It was a willingness that I had, that I knew from That Day that I walked into that meeting, that if I do this right, I won't have to be homeless anymore.

Tommy's story starts in Staten Island, New York, where he had his first drink at just eleven years old, courtesy of his father. That moment was supposed to mark his transition into manhood, but it instead marked the beginning of a long battle with alcohol. By 13, Tommy was drinking regularly with friends, and his teenage years were marred by drunken escapades and a mother who would beat him when he stumbled home intoxicated.

Dropping out of school at 16, Tommy entered the workforce, using his earnings to fuel his drinking habit. It wasn't long before his addiction cost him his job, leading to a period of homelessness on the streets of New York City. Tommy's attempts to better his life, including an unsuccessful stint at the New York City Police Academy, were consistently thwarted by alcohol.

However, with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous and a newfound determination to change, Tommy managed to turn his life around. His journey wasn't without setbacks, including a significant relapse and the heartbreaking loss of his sister during his early recovery. Yet, Tommy's story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of seeking help. Tune in to hear more about Tommy's path from addiction to sobriety and the lessons he learned along the way.

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