Case Study: Michael’s Story — From High Stakes to Healing
Addiction • Gambling • Alcohol Use Disorder • Family Intervention • Entrepreneurial Burnout
Michael, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, was once at the helm of a thriving business manufacturing aftermarket products for two major automotive companies — one American and one Korean. Charismatic, confident, and relentless, Michael had the kind of fire that often defines great entrepreneurs. But over time, that same drive began to fuel his downfall.
A Family Built on Grit and Determination
Michael was born on Long Island into an entrepreneurial family where street smarts and hard work were valued above all else. His father had immigrated to the United States with just fifty dollars in his pocket, no contacts, and no safety net. For years, he lived paycheck to paycheck, renting rooms in strangers’ homes until a small business owner gave him an opportunity — a job installing HVAC systems across New York City and Long Island.
Through sheer determination, Michael’s father grew that opportunity into one of the largest HVAC retail, installation, and service companies in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. His story became a family legend — proof that perseverance and hustle could overcome any obstacle.
Michael inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit. When the family relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, during his high school years, his parents knew he wasn’t destined for academia. Instead, they trusted that his entrepreneurial instincts would serve him well.
Early Success and the Beginning of Trouble
At 23, MIchael seized an opportunity to purchase a small aftermarket auto parts manufacturing company in South Florida for a bargain price — with his parents’ backing. His instincts were right. Within a few years, Michael secured two exclusive contracts, 10x’d his business, and built a lucrative brand.
He was known for his magnetic personality and larger-than-life lifestyle. Michael took pride in his success, flaunting it without apology. But as the years went on, his enthusiasm began to fade. His family and business advisors could see what was happening and encouraged him to sell the business while profits were still high, but Michael brushed them off. He would tell them,“I’m just enjoying myself,” he would say. “Don’t worry — I’ll be back killing it in no time.”
Michael’s resistance to outside advice — a trait that once made him unstoppable — began to work against him. He dismissed suggestions, convinced others were either jealous or trying to control him. And then, his two vices — alcohol and gambling — began to take control.
Descent Into Addiction and Loss
Like many addictions, Michael’s drinking and gambling began subtly. A few beers after work. Occasional nights at the casino. But slowly, the stakes increased.
Three or four beers turned into ten or more, often chased with shots. Casual bets became $10,000 to $20,000 wagers. The lifestyle that once symbolized success now consumed him.
Eventually, both his international and domestic clients terminated their contracts. What was once a thriving business became a liability — unmarketable, unprofitable, and unsustainable.
Michael’s drinking intensified. He began driving while intoxicated, experiencing blackouts, and spiraling into deep depression. With a new marriage and a baby on the way, it was no longer just about him — but he couldn’t stop.
The Family Reaches Out for Help
One night, after a particularly alarming episode, Michael’s mother reached out to her former therapist in New York, who referred her to New York Intervention.
The intervention consultant assigned to the case had a unique background — years in business before transitioning into behavioral health. That experience made it possible to understand both Michael’s professional pressures and his personal unraveling.
Michael’s family feared that a traditional intervention might backfire. He was proud, defensive, and prone to externalizing blame. Pushing him too hard could easily lead to rejection or defiance. The consultant recognized this and focused instead on building rapport and trust, becoming an ally rather than an adversary.
A couple of months into working with us, Michael’s business was under contract to sell, and his family decided to hold off on the intervention until the sale closed. This was risky — Michael was still drinking and often driving — but strategically necessary to minimize his resistance to treatment.
A Tailored, Strategic Intervention
Once the sale closed, the consultant worked closely with Michael’s family to prepare for the intervention. Working with our parent and family coach they learned how to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and avoid the guilt-driven rescue behaviors that often sabotage progress.
During the process, Michael shared his love of mountains and wilderness, which guided the search for the right treatment environment. As a matter of philosophy, New York Intervention encourages families to choose treatment centers far enough from home to reduce the risk of a client leaving AMA or against medical advice — both from the client’s own impulses and family interference.
A program outside Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and vast wilderness, was selected. It offered a blend of clinical sophistication and natural serenity — the perfect match for Michael’s personality and lifestyle.
The intervention itself was emotional but successful. Despite his ego and resistance, Michael’s underlying desire for help was palpable. Within hours, he and the consultant were on a flight to Utah.
Recovery and Transformation
Michael struggled through his first couple of weeks in treatment — restless, defensive, and insecure. But gradually, he began to feel safe, seen, and understood. Surrounded by peers who shared their own experiences of loss and addiction, he began to open up.
Without prompting, Michael decided to extend his time in rehab by another 30 days — a major gesture for someone early in recovery.
Today, two years later, Michael is thriving again. His marriage is stronger, he’s a devoted father, and his temperament has transformed. He attends AA meetings four times a week and has remained abstinent from gambling, and hasn’t touched alcohol since the day he left for treatment.
His parents often say that they finally have their son back — not the brash entrepreneur chasing highs and jackpots, but a man grounded in gratitude and purpose.
Key Takeaways
- Addiction and entrepreneurship often intersect where ambition meets escape.
- Family engagement and tailored intervention strategy are crucial when pride and control are dominant traits.
- Selecting the right treatment environment — both clinically and geographically — can significantly increase success rates.
- Sustained aftercare and accountability (12-step programs, therapy, family coaching) are critical for long-term recovery.