He tried to drink himself to death. Instead, he found a reason to live.

For years, Troy D. lived by one rule: go all in or go home. Whether it was money, success, or alcohol, moderation didn’t exist. He made his first million by 27—and lost it the same year. His life swung between abundance and rock bottom, driven by a need for control and approval that started long before the first drink.

Growing up in a small Illinois town, Troy always felt like he couldn’t measure up to his siblings. His brothers were athletes, he felt his sister was his dad’s favorite, and Troy just wanted to stand out. Skateboarding, break dancing, and rebellion became his way of saying “I’m here.” The military became his next stage—and where his drinking took center spotlight.

It would take years, multiple DUIs, prison, and a near-death drinking spree before he finally surrendered. After checking into a hospital with a blood alcohol level over .3, his neighbor 12-stepped him—and that’s when Troy met his sponsor, “Concrete Mike.”

Mike taught him how to be a man, to turn things over to God, and to live a life of service. “AA gives us life, but AA is not our life,” Mike would say. Those words changed everything.

Now sober since February 21, 2018, Troy’s journey continues. He’s working on setting boundaries, healing from codependence, and deepening his spiritual connection through the Prayer of St. Francis—a daily reminder to be an instrument of peace.

Today, Troy sponsors men, stays active in service, and reminds others that recovery is more than staying sober—it’s learning to live free.

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The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.