I Was Raised in a Mafia—A Murder at My Wedding Was My Wake-Up Call

My life reads like the plot of a gripping novel, complete with mafia connections, personal demons, and a triumphant rise from adversity.
As a kid from the tough streets of the South Bronx, my early life was marred by violence, addiction, and brushes with the law.
My childhood was anything but ordinary. Raised in a mafia family, my world was steeped in crime, danger, and hardship. My father, a drug dealer, and Shylock—a term used to describe loan sharks in organized crime—was deeply involved in illegal activities.
This lifestyle ultimately led to my father spending several years in prison during my formative years. Having a parent behind bars is a devastating experience for any child, but for me, it was just one part of the instability that marked my early life.
As a child, I endured mistreatment from boys in my neighborhood when they sexually abused me. Then, at the age of nine, I faced further sexual harm and molestation from my babysitter. In addition to these challenges, I left school after the ninth grade, never completing my formal education.
Tragedy struck again when I was older—this time at my own wedding. In a brutal act of violence, my uncle murdered the wedding caterer for insulting him. It was a moment that epitomized the chaotic and dangerous world I was raised in, a world where violence and crime were part of the family fabric.
Living in such an environment left deep scars, shaping not just my behavior but also my beliefs about what life could be. For years, I wrestled with internal struggles and embarked on a path toward self-destruction.
Despite my achievements as a Grand Master in Karate with a 10th-degree black belt, two Black Belt Hall of Fame inductions, and five national karate championships, I couldn’t escape the pull of substance abuse.
For many years, drugs and alcohol became my way of coping with the chaos and trauma of my past. Substance abuse offered a temporary reprieve from emotional pain, but it came at a high cost. My addiction grew, consuming my life and threatening to derail any chance I had at building a better future.
Like many people who battle addiction, my descent into drugs and alcohol was a complex mix of emotional pain, environmental influences, and the weight of my upbringing. I had seen violence and crime from a young age, and my family history didn’t offer many alternatives to that lifestyle. But beneath the surface, I had the strength to fight back against these demons, even if it took years to realize it.
The turning point in my life came when I made the decision to get sober. Breaking free from addiction was never easy, and for me, it was a long, hard road. However, I committed to turning my life around, and today, I have been sober for 40 years. This remarkable achievement didn’t just change my life—it laid the foundation for my future as a healer and advocate for those struggling with addiction.
My story is a testament to the power of personal transformation. I didn’t just quit drugs and alcohol—I used my experience to help others. Over the past 37 years, I’ve dedicated my life to treating and supporting people suffering from addiction, alcoholism, and mental illness. My personal journey gives me unique insight into the struggles my clients face, and my success in overcoming those same challenges makes me a living example of hope and recovery.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of my story is how I turned personal redemption into a thriving business that has helped countless others. With just $300, I opened a drug and alcohol treatment center. What started as a small, humble operation grew into a $45 million success story. My center became a place where individuals battling addiction could find the support, care, and guidance they needed to reclaim their lives.
The success of my treatment center speaks not only to my business acumen but also to the value I place on helping others. Building such a successful business from the ground up requires more than just financial investment—it requires vision, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the mission. For me, that mission was clear: to provide a safe space for people who, like me, were struggling with addiction and to offer them a chance at a better life.
My treatment center became more than just a place to get sober—it became a symbol of hope and resilience. Many of the people who sought help at my center were in the same position I had once been in, lost in the throes of addiction, feeling like there was no way out. But under my guidance, they found a path to recovery, just as I had.
My story isn’t just about personal success, it’s about giving back and making a lasting impact on the world. For nearly four decades, I’ve been on the front lines of the battle against addiction, working tirelessly to help people recover from the same struggles I once faced. My dedication to helping others is what makes my story so compelling. I didn’t just overcome adversity—I used my experiences to lift others up.
My life is a reminder that no matter how difficult your circumstances may be, it’s possible to change. My journey from the mafia-ridden streets of the South Bronx to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for those suffering from addiction is a testament to the power of resilience. In a world where so many people feel trapped by their circumstances, my story serves as a beacon of hope, showing that it’s never too late to turn your life around.
At the core of my life is a message of perseverance. My story demonstrates that no matter how many setbacks you face, no matter how deep into addiction or despair you fall, it’s possible to come out the other side. The key, as I’ve shown, is to never give up.
Resilience is often described as the ability to bounce back from adversity, but my story goes beyond that. My life is a testament to the idea that resilience isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving, about taking the lessons from your darkest moments and using them to build something meaningful. I didn’t just survive my circumstances—I transformed them, turning my pain and struggles into a life of purpose and impact.
My life is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, greatness is within reach if you refuse to quit. My journey from a mafia family in the South Bronx to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for those suffering from addiction is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance. Through my work helping addicts, alcoholics, and people with mental illness, I’ve touched countless lives, offering hope and healing to those in need.
I’ve achieved remarkable success throughout my career, becoming a widely recognized expert in addiction, mental health, and alternative medicine. I’ve contributed to over 80 peer-reviewed scientific medical journals, making a significant impact on the fields of addiction and mental health treatment.
As one of the pioneers in psychedelic medicine, particularly with Ibogaine, I’ve helped shape innovative approaches to recovery. I’ve earned an honorary PhD, hold a master’s degree in addiction counseling, a degree in hypnotherapy, and I’m an EMDR practitioner, NLP therapist, and Criminal Justice and Mitigation Specialist.
All of these accomplishments further solidify my expertise in the addiction field. In addition to my work as a trauma specialist, particularly with veterans and police officers involved in shootings, I serve as a chaplain for the North Miami Police Department, offering spiritual and emotional support to those in need.
I’m also an author and have published two books. Currently, I’m a co-owner of JC’s Recovery Center, a 62-bed, faith-based treatment facility dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.
My story is raw, honest, and deeply human. It shows that while the road to recovery is difficult, it is possible—and that anyone, no matter how lost they feel, can change their life if they have the courage to keep going. In me, you see the embodiment of resilience, and my life’s work will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.
John Giordano is a renowned addiction specialist with over 37 years of experience in the field. A pioneer in alternative medicine and addiction treatment, he has contributed to more than 80 scientific and medical peer-reviewed journals.
He is currently a co-owner of JC’s Recovery Center, a 62-bed, faith-based treatment facility dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. He is the author of The Kid From The South Bronx Who Never Gave Up, an autobiography, and How To Beat Your Addictions And Live A Quality Life, a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to overcome addiction and reclaim control over their life.
All views expressed are the author’s own.
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