Growing up, Rich had a mother and father who were alcoholics and a brother who had drug issues. As he got older he realized that the environment and how he grew up, influenced his eventual problems with drinking.   Even though his career in respiratory therapy was flourishing, he would go back home with a bottle in his hand and wallow.  Everything was dark. Everything was pessimistic.  He didn't see any help, Rich was really hopeless. Not even a suicide attempt could stop his problems with alcohol as he left inpatient (to deal with his suicidal thoughts) and went straight back to drinking.   It all came to a head when he had a moment of self realization. He knew he couldn't live this life anymore. With the help of his wife, James was able to find the treatment he needed because he knew he was ready. He knew that this had to work. He was there for one reason and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way of it. He truly committed himself to getting better.   Before treatment, Rich felt alcohol kept him from appreciating his life. Now in recovery he sees things a lot differently. He appreciates his neighborhood, his environment and home. According to Rich, treatment has re-motivated himself to life, to realize what he has.   Podcast may contain mature language and situations