Jim

Hi I’m Jim. Getting healthy is a huge priority for a diabetic like me. The Mission directs me to healthy choices. But my addiction almost killed me.

In my teens, my parents divorced. I absorbed bad influences from older kids at my school. I drank during lunch breaks and wasted the entire day. After barely graduating, I worked at a beverage distributor, and sampled products. But that wasn’t all—I used cocaine, LSD, pills, booze and marijuana. I couldn’t hold down any food due to heavy drinking. With six trips to the ER and at least one coma, I thought I would sober up for good.

But during rehab, I lost my apartment, and moved into a rooming house where parties happened all the time. 3 years later, I became homeless again. I need to manage my diabetes, but sobriety needs to come first. Overcoming my denial of alcoholism and substance abuse was extremely brutal.

The Boston Rescue Mission saved me. I’m in my longest period of sobriety in years. I’m improving physically and mentally, with therapy, a sponsor, and many sober connections. The Mission shows me patience and reminds me that I have a chance to heal. Here, I see firsthand the needs of people who are homeless and the ways I can help. No matter how deep into trouble I am, twelve steps will get me out.