From Start-Up Success to Rock Bottom: My Journey to Recovery in Sober Living

From Real Recovery Story Articles

Launching a tech start-up is a high-pressure, high-reward endeavor, and I learned that the hard way. In 2021, I founded a company specializing in high-quality rubber grips for kitchen appliances and even utensils—something so simple, yet wildly successful. Investors saw the potential, and before I knew it, we had secured $20 million in seed-round funding. It felt like I had made it. We had a sleek office in downtown Philadelphia, a growing team, and the industry was taking notice.

At first, I was thriving in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. The long hours didn’t bother me; I thrived on the adrenaline. I lived and breathed the company, pulling 16-hour days, networking constantly, and traveling to pitch meetings. But the higher we climbed, the greater the pressure became. I started having trouble winding down at the end of the day, my mind racing through every potential risk, every decision, every meeting. At first, a few drinks in the evening helped take the edge off, but soon, that wasn’t enough. I needed more just to relax.The drinking crept into my daily routine without me even realizing it. At first, it was just a whiskey after dinner. Then, I started bringing a bottle to the office. It became a habit to sip from my desk drawer during late nights. I told myself it helped me focus, helped me take the pressure off—but deep down, I knew I was starting to lose control.

Then came the cocaine. I had always seen it in the startup world, at networking events, at parties. At first, I dismissed it, but when a friend and fellow tech executive told me it helped him power through the long hours, I gave it a shot. The first time I did it, I felt invincible. Suddenly, I could push through exhaustion, churn out ideas at lightning speed, and stay sharp for back-to-back meetings. I convinced myself it was a necessary tool for success. I didn't know it at the time but I was in the early stages of developing a severe cocaine addiction.

For the first couple of months, I thought I had everything under control. If anything, I felt like I had unlocked a secret level of productivity. The problem was, I didn’t know when to stop. What started as an occasional boost turned into a daily routine. Before long, I needed it just to function. My employees started to notice the change. My patience ran thin, my decision-making became erratic, and I started losing my grip—on the company, on my relationships, on myself.

The breaking point came when one of our biggest investors pulled out of the company. It wasn’t an official statement, but I knew the reason. My erratic behavior had scared them off. I had gone from being the visionary leader of a promising startup to someone they no longer trusted with their money. That was rock bottom for me.

Shortly after that, my co-workers staged what was essentially an intervention. They didn’t come at me with anger—just concern. They sat me down and laid it all out: the missed deadlines, the incoherent emails, the broken promises. I had become a liability to my own company. Seeing the disappointment in their eyes was harder to stomach than any hangover or withdrawal. That was the moment I knew I had to make a change. 

I checked into New Jersey Sober Living in early 2023. Detox was brutal. The first week felt like hell—cold sweats, nausea, crushing anxiety. I didn't even realize I would have those types of symptoms if I didn't drink within a day or so. But yes after my first 24 hours or so without booze it came on like a storm. Luckily, the staff at the sober living house made sure I got through it. The environment was exactly what I needed—a structured yet supportive place with great food, a pool for relaxation, and a staff that genuinely cared. It wasn’t just about getting clean; it was about rebuilding my life.

I threw myself into the process. I got a sponsor and worked through the 12 Steps within a month because I was willing to do whatever it took to rebuild my life. I attended every meeting I could, took every suggestion. The more I immersed myself in recovery, the more I started to see just how far I had fallen. I had spent so much time chasing success that I had forgotten to take care of myself.

The biggest lesson I learned in recovery was that success means nothing if you aren’t in a place to enjoy it. Sobriety forced me to re-evaluate my priorities. It wasn’t just about the company anymore—it was about my health, my relationships, my future.

Today, I’m proud to say I’m two years sober as of February 21, 2025. My company is thriving again, but this time, I’m leading with clarity, balance, and integrity. I still work long hours, but now I know when to step back. I prioritize my mental and physical well-being. Sobriety has given me a second chance—not just in business, but in life.If you’re struggling with addiction, know this: there is a way out. Success, money, status—none of it means anything if you’re not truly present in your own life. If I could turn things around, so can you.