“If I Drink Again, I’m Choosing Suicide” | 4 DUIs, Illegal Alligators & 8 Years Sober

“I had this vivid image… a beautiful blonde woman with two kids, and I killed them. Something hit me and said: if you continue to live like this, you are going to kill yourself, kill somebody else, or wind up in jail for the rest of your life.” In this episode of Nothing’s Off The Table, I sit down with Steven McCall, a man whose life was a series of bizarre headlines and near-death misses before he finally found the floor. From growing up in New Orleans to the high-stakes "Van Wilder" party scene of college, Steven lived a double life that involved illegal alligators, Bourbon Street benders, and a escalating addiction to alcohol, weed, and cocaine. Steven opens up about: * The Alligator Arrests: Keeping a 150-gallon ecosystem—including 7-foot alligators—in a college apartment and being caught by Wildlife & Fisheries twice. * 8 Years of College, 0 Classes: The "creature of habit" lifestyle of Jameson shots and Miller Lites that kept him escaping reality. * The Final DUI: Waking up asleep behind the wheel on I-10 in a bathing suit, slurring to cops that he was "coming home from work." * The Hospital Epiphany: Realizing at 30 years old, living at his mom's house with 4 DUIs, that his next drink would be a suicide mission. * Healing the Trauma: Facing the 14-year-old grief of losing his father through a powerful, snot-and-tears therapeutic breakthrough at Banyan. Today, Steven is 8 years sober and works for Banyan Treatment Centers—the very place that gave him a scholarship when he had no insurance and no hope. His story is a raw reminder that no matter how many "isms" you're battling or how many times you've relapsed, you aren't unique in your pain—and you aren't alone in your recovery. 🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table. I sit down with people who’ve faced it all: addiction, loss, redemption and came out stronger. These are unfiltered conversations about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose again. If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, reach out to Banyan Treatment Centers — the team I personally believe in. They’ve helped thousands of people rebuild their lives. 👉 Call: [(855) 773-1502] 🌐 Visit: (https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/?utm_source=louis_podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=banyan_partnership&utm_content=episode_read) 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@Banyantreatmentcenters](https://www.instagram.com/Banyantreatmentcenters) About the Show Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty, deep insights, and stories that hit home. Meet Louis Louis Ruggiero turned his life around after years of struggling with addiction, gambling, and substance abuse. Now, he’s on a mission to amplify voices — from celebrities to everyday survivors — sharing their journeys of grit, growth, and healing. #AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsofftheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #BanyanTreatmentCenters #BanyanxLouis #BanyanRecovery #BanyanPodcastPartner #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity --- Disclaimer: The stories and views shared on Nothing’s Off The Table are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance on personal matters. Copyright: © Nothing’s Off The Table with Louis Ruggiero. All rights reserved. Feel free to share or embed episodes with proper credit and a link to our official pages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices