For Tom, childhood was filled with positive memories—nothing that hinted he’d ever struggle with alcohol. After college, he stepped into his career, a world where late nights out were normal, and alcohol made social connections feel easier. At first, everything seemed under control. But when the pandemic hit, and isolation became a daily reality, drinking slowly picked up speed. Tom didn’t have what many would call a “rock bottom,” but internally, he felt the truth: something had to change. This is Tom’s journey of honesty, self-awareness, and choosing a different path.   Check out the Just Between Us Podcast: https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/07bfba32-e173-41c6-973e-ceee488187c7/signup   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:20 Tom's Childhood and Upbringing 01:43 College Life and Fraternity Influence 04:09 Post-College Career and Move to Boston 12:12 Pandemic Impact and Realization 16:42 The Struggle with Alcohol 23:06 The Hidden Truth About Alcohol's Impact on Society 23:55 The Dopamine Connection: Alcohol and Gambling 24:57 Personal Reflections: Evaluating Life Choices 26:05 The Decade Mark: Recognizing the Need for Change 26:50 The Internal Struggle: Awareness and Denial 27:41 The Turning Point: Family and Sobriety 31:20 Navigating Sobriety: Slips and Progress 36:20 Therapy and Support: Tools for Sobriety 40:58 The Journey Continues: Embracing Change 44:45 Final Thoughts: Encouragement and Suppor