Hi David,
One of the most powerful mentors, for lack of a better word, that I ever had was an AA friend by the name of Johnny. Johnny spent a lot of years in prison for manslaughter, and the story is horrific—you don't need it in your head. But Johnny went into the prison system, did a ton of AA, and came out a different man.
He made every mistake you could make and suffered the consequences, and then he spent as much time as he could helping recovering alcoholics. I live in a different country now, but I am betting that Johnny is still doing his thing and helping others to find sobriety and peace.
I don't think your son can find a better role model than a dad who has done the hard yards and come out with an understanding of what life is all about.
s ❤️