For 15 years I watched this businessman's slow descent into drug addiction, alcoholism, and finally jail.

When I first met him, back in the 90s, he owned a successful restaurant, several investment properties, and was happily married. He was a sharp and energetic young man, in good physical health. When I first leased property from him, I knew he dallied with alcohol and cocaine. But that wasn't unusual, many engage in some kind of recreational drug use. However, after five years or so, I recognized his use had progressed into addiction.

There were rumors floating around the community about him being involved in a burglary ring. Then someone shot him, the bullet barely grazing his skull. He claimed it was a random incident, that he didn't know who'd shot him. After that whenever I would see him he was looking rougher and rougher. Where once he dressed neatly, now he many times appeared disheveled, and somewhat disoriented.

Around three years ago we terminated the contract on the property we’d leased from him for several years. He was so angry at losing us as tenants he filed a $300,000 lawsuit against TLC for purported damages to his property. However, after several months of litigation and legal expenses he dropped the suit. In turn, we agreed to let him spend a year at TLC as a client at no charge to him. However, he never checked into the program. Once in a while he would send me a text message, recognizing that he had a problem. However, he never followed through to get the help.

Then last month a news report flashed across the television screen reporting his restaurant was on fire. The restaurant, along with several other businesses occupying the same building, was destroyed.

Two weeks ago he was arrested for first-degree arson, insurance fraud, and probation violation. He's being held in jail without bond.

His saga once more demonstrates for me the power of drug and alcohol addiction over our lives. Stories like this help me stay sober.