Alcoholism’s tornadic sweep through Brian’s life laid waste to his prospects for a happy future. Brian was raised in a family deeply rooted in alcoholism, a disease that ultimately took his father’s life. Brian’s his childhood and adolescence were further complicated by a severe skin allergy that physically and emotionally isolated him from others. By the time he started drinking at age 13, Brian’s pent-up frustration and pain were immediately soothed the magical effect of alcohol. With the ball in motion, he forged ahead in school and career fueled by the relief booze offered. Into his late 20’s and early 30’s, Brian’s growing use and abuse of alcohol were obfuscated from self-examination by his ability to achieve and succeed as a functional alcoholic. But, sadly, it didn’t last. Brian’s disease escalated as his life crumbled around him. Stuck in a quagmire of delusion and self-pity, Brian finally relinquished his illusions of power and manageability, and sought help from a therapist who told him to go to AA. With the fog lifted enough to get his emotional and spiritual bearings, Brian brought himself to a meeting over 31 years ago. He has been a non-stop active member of Alcoholics Anonymous ever since.
Since getting sober, Brian has buttressed his sobriety by steady attendance of meetings and continious sponsorship of other men. He leads by example from the center of the Program by enthusiastically fulfilling a wide array of service commitments. His enthusiasm for all things AA is infectious and, together with his wife in the Program, has found a satisfying way to match sobriety with serenity. He is one of the most upbeat and friendly people I know in AA and it was a joy to interview him. After you hear his story I’m certain you’ll agree.
So crank up your podcast player. Indulge yourself in AA Recovery Interviews for the next 65 minutes as you listen to my conversation with my fine friend and AA brother, Brian A.
If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.
I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.
[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]