Tom Keyser's inspiring journey of turning challenges into advocacy.
Tom Keyser, a San Antonio attorney, transformed his life from addiction to advocacy, raising awareness about substance use among attorneys. His inspiring journey highlights the importance of recovery and helping others facing similar struggles. From battling his demons in the 1980s to becoming president of the San Antonio Bar Association, Keyser’s story serves as a beacon of hope. Now, he dedicates his life to guiding future generations towards a brighter future, leveraging his experiences to foster a supportive community for those in need.
The vibrant city of San Antonio is home to a remarkable individual who has turned his tumultuous past into a beacon of hope for countless others. Tom Keyser, a local attorney, is not just known for practicing law; he is making waves in raising awareness about substance use issues within the legal community. His journey from addiction to advocacy is nothing short of inspiring, shedding light on the struggles many face in silence.
Back in the 1980s, Keyser was living life on the edge. As a young lawyer, he was engulfed in a world of addiction, frequently indulging in cocaine, crystal meth, and alcohol. He humorously referred to himself as a “trash can” for substances. On the surface, everything seemed fine; he was a loving father, a devoted husband, and even served as the president of his son’s Catholic school Parent-Teacher Association. However, beneath that polished exterior, a storm was brewing.
Keyser often found himself in local bars like the Bombay Bicycle Club, casually drinking beer before heading back to the office. He felt a constant need to consume something—every day became a struggle. And Keyser was not alone in this battle. A survey conducted by the Texas Bar Association revealed that a staggering 25% of attorneys practicing for over 20 years reported having a drinking problem. Even more shocking, 47% of respondents felt their dependency developed within just 15 years of finishing law school.
Despite his addiction, Keyser managed to maintain a façade of success. He owned a beautiful home, held a country club membership, and even drove a sleek yellow Porsche 911 Carrera. But inside, he felt an unsettling emptiness. The weight of addiction grew heavier, particularly as he took on criminal defense cases that had a monumental impact on his clients’ futures. This responsibility clashed with his self-destructive behaviors, pushing him closer to a breaking point.
Keyser’s troubles began shortly after marrying his college sweetheart, followed by a painful divorce. In his attempts to fill personal voids, he resorted to affairs and alcohol, causing his addiction to spiral out of control. Feeling trapped by shame and guilt from his Catholic upbringing, he found it exceedingly difficult to seek help or admit he had a problem.
His first encounter with drugs came in the late 1970s at a party, where he was introduced to marijuana. It wasn’t long before he progressed to cocaine at a Spurs game in 1982. Throughout the 1980s, his life unraveled spectacularly, complete with arrests and investigations that only deepened his struggles. However, it took hitting rock bottom in the 1990s for Keyser to finally recognize that he needed help.
On September 10, 1990, a friend helped him find the courage to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, which opened the door to a new chapter in his life. This experience ignited a newfound hope and set him on a path to recovery.
Today, Tom Keyser credits his transformation to his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous. After overcoming the challenges of his past, he rose to the position of president of the San Antonio Bar Association, even managing to reinstate his bar license after suspensions due to previous addiction issues. But he didn’t stop there. Keyser took it upon himself to share his story at local high schools, guiding younger generations towards a brighter future free from addiction.
Keyser remains committed to his recovery, continuing to attend AA meetings and supporting other attorneys struggling with substance use. He often reflects on the ‘Godwink’ moments he experienced throughout his journey, seeing them as signs of divine intervention guiding his path.
With remarkable resilience and determination, Tom Keyser emphasizes the importance of using his second chance to help others facing similar challenges. His journey is a testament to the power of recovery and the human spirit’s ability to rise from the ashes. In a world that often overlooks struggles with addiction, his advocacy work shines brightly, encouraging all to believe that change is indeed possible.
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