Maggie shares her painful path from early alcohol use at 14, abuse and loss, to teenage pregnancy and meth use, culminating in lasting sobriety since 2011. She reflects on how fear and trauma drove her addiction and how support from sponsors and AA helped her find hope and purpose.
David reflects on a childhood marked by a stepfather’s drinking, his first taste of alcohol at age 12, and a 37‑year battle with addiction. He credits Alcoholics Anonymous for guiding him toward 19 years of sobriety and offers hope to newcomers seeking a life free from substance dependence.
Steve shares how growing up around a drinking family, teenage rebellion, and early exposure to liquor set the stage for his alcoholism. He recounts his time in the army, experiences with German beer culture, drug dealing, and how he eventually found sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous.
Jay shares the story of his marriage to Nancy, their battle with alcoholism and cocaine addiction, and how the 12 traditions guided their recovery and coping with her death. He reflects on choosing the common welfare over personal desire, illustrating love, grief, and the power of AA principles.
Tammy shares her lifelong struggle with discomfort, early exposure to alcohol, and the impact of family dynamics. She recounts her path through mental health challenges, marriage, and motherhood, leading to a sober life since 2007 with gratitude for AA.
Julie shares her early life in a crowded East Los Angeles home, the turbulence of her family and early marriage, and how material pursuits led her to confront deeper issues. She reflects on the turning point toward recovery and the steps she’s taken since.
Ron reflects on his 20‑year sobriety milestone, sharing how daily meditation, step work, and thoughtful routines support his recovery. He describes his role at Radford Hall, mentoring friends, and the simple acts of love that keep him grounded.
Lynn shares her childhood in an alcoholic household, early exposure to drugs, and a 23‑year struggle with alcohol, speed and Xanax. After a court‑ordered treatment in 1996 and a pivotal encounter with AA, she reflects on how sharing her story has become vital to her recovery and to welcoming new members.
Chloe recounts how a single drink at a wedding spiraled into a series of chaotic events—a house fire, a mysterious late‑night radio song, and a puzzling phone call—that led her to her first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. She reflects on the lack of early education about alcoholism, the sense of divine intervention, and the beginning of her recovery journey.
Tricia reflects on more than 36 years of sobriety, from her first drink at age 13 to her final drink at a concert, and how she’s stayed clean since 1988. She explains the habit of compiling a spreadsheet of speakers, the risk of reaching out, and why losing herself in others’ stories makes a meeting feel alive. She also thanks her partner Jerome and friend Kim for their support.
Tina recounts growing up in a household where drinking was normalized, her first drunken experience at age four, and the chaotic family outings that fueled her addiction. She reflects on the turning point that led her to AA and the challenges of staying engaged in early meetings.
Danny reflects on his early exposure to alcohol, family dysfunction, and teenage delinquency, leading to sobriety at 17 and a 30‑year recovery. He shares how AA and the 12‑step program have provided a safe space for healing amid personal and generational trauma.
Garrett shares his tumultuous upbringing in a broken home, early immersion in drugs and crime, and the darkest moments in jail before a turning point at a treatment center on March 17, 2013. Embracing Alcoholics Anonymous, he found support through his sponsor Lance and a newfound sense of purpose, describing the relief of stepping onto the program’s podium.
Howard, an alcoholic in early recovery, recounts his 32‑year sober milestone, detailing a childhood marked by family drug exposure, a drunken bar mitzvah, and early struggles with identity. He reflects on how those early experiences shaped his path to lasting sobriety.
Hal B. reflects on growing up in Los Angeles, heavy drinking in college, and the turning point that led him to AA in 2001. He shares the struggle of early sobriety, a spiritual awakening, and his commitment to helping others stay sober.
Sean, sober since 2015, shares how sponsoring others and staying committed to AA have deepened his spiritual awakening. He reflects on the impact of old‑timers, the power of step work, and the gratitude that fuels his service inside and outside the room.
Chrissy reflects on a life marked by teenage pregnancy, a high‑powered career, a period of dry‑drunk living, homelessness, and numerous arrests before finding lasting sobriety. Now 31 years clean, she works the 12‑and‑12 steps and celebrates her four grandchildren.
Julie recalls feeling out of place from birth, using theater and alcohol as masks until the habits broke her. After a harrowing blackout and a near‑miss with death, she finally chooses an AA meeting over the bar and discovers the only consistent thing she’s done right: staying sober. Her story highlights the struggle to confront inner pain and reclaim identity.
Barbara reflects on her 35‑year sobriety while sharing vivid memories of growing up in a Hollywood musician household in the 1950s. She discusses how the constant parties and family dynamics influenced her relationship with alcohol and offers a warm welcome to new members of the AA meeting.
The speaker reflects on seven years of sobriety, tracing a childhood in San Bernardino’s low‑income housing, gang involvement, and prison time to his discovery of Alcoholics Anonymous. He discusses how the Big Book’s insights on loss of control and the physical cravings of alcoholism helped shape his recovery.
Dennis shares a raw account of a tumultuous upbringing, early exposure to alcohol, military service, and the loss of a friend to heroin, leading to his struggle with addiction. He reflects on the pain, the moments of survival, and the hope that keeps him pursuing sobriety.
Richard shares how he entered AA in 1988, survived blackout drinking, arrests, and a night‑shift job before achieving lasting sobriety. He reflects on early smoking, family struggles, and the hope that kept him returning to meetings.
Scott, a former Air Force member, shares how his drinking spiraled during service and led to a stint in correctional custody. The harsh experience forced a wake‑up call, culminating in his sobriety on February 14, 1989, and a commitment to AA and helping others.
Damon shares how a rebellious childhood led to early alcohol use, drug dealing, and numerous criminal escapades. He describes the turning point when he realized that stopping drinking halted all other addictions, and how fatherhood pushed him toward a more stable life.
David reflects on three decades of sobriety, highlighting how time heals, the critical role of a sponsor, and his experiences with both alcohol and cocaine. He shares personal stories of early drinking, family loss, and finding courage to perform despite anxiety.
Margo reflects on growing up in a high‑expectation family, feeling invisible next to her sister, and turning to early drinking and risky behavior. She shares how those painful roots led her to Alcoholics Anonymous, where she has maintained sobriety for 31 years. Her story highlights the power of recovery in reshaping identity and self‑worth.
Frankie shares his 35‑year journey in AA, the impact of a steadfast sponsor, and the unique challenges of coming from a multi‑generational alcoholic family. He reflects on gratitude, the power of humility, and how Zoom has expanded access to recovery voices.
Patrick shares his path to sobriety after a chaotic childhood in Santa Monica, the role of his early sponsor Wally, and the lingering gaps in his memory that shape his ongoing recovery work. He reflects on the challenges of making amends, the impact of losing his father, and how the 12‑step program helps him stay present despite lingering cravings.
Derek shares a humorous mix‑up about being asked to speak, then reflects on over 7,000 days of sobriety since 2006. He explores how childhood fear, a chaotic home, and his father’s drinking shaped his anger and ODD, and how AA, his sponsor Ken, and a renewed sense of spirituality have guided his recovery.
Robert shares a vivid life story, from a mind‑opening infant experience with peyote to early encounters with alcohol, a prom wine binge, and a near‑death fog episode. He reflects on decades of drinking, drug use, and the journey that led to 15 years of sobriety.
Frank shares his 40‑year sobriety story, from heavy drinking in Ohio to a career in food service that kept him close to alcohol. He reflects on the impact on his marriage, family, and work, and encourages newcomers to give the program a genuine try.
Megan reflects on a 36‑year journey of sobriety after a harrowing suicide attempt and years of heavy drinking. She discusses family alcoholism, medical challenges, and how Alcoholics Anonymous became her lifeline.
Kathy shares how a scientific family background, early exposure to alcohol in Europe, and a rebellious punk phase led to years of stealing and fraud. After hitting rock bottom and confronting bounced checks, she found a new freedom through Alcoholics Anonymous and now serves her mother as power of attorney.
Nate reflects on his path from a chaotic childhood in Minnesota to nine years of sobriety, highlighting his recent role as meeting secretary and the lift of responsibility it brought. He honors sponsor Scott B. and fellow sponsor Sean for their support, and discusses how confronting family challenges and the ‘gift of desperation’ fuels his ongoing recovery.
Jorge shares his 34‑year sobriety milestone, reflecting on a tough upbringing in the Bronx, a search for identity, and his years in the Air Force that took him across Spain and Germany. He describes the moments that led him across an “invisible line” toward lasting recovery.
Tony shares his 20‑year battle with alcoholism, the moment he chose death over another drink, and how losing his careers, home, and relationships led him to the AA program. After a pivotal decision in 2001, he has maintained 24 years of sobriety, reflecting on the power of precise sobriety tracking and the support of sponsors.
The group reviews and revises the phone list eligibility rules, aligning them with membership definitions and quality‑of‑life meeting commitments. A motion passes unanimously to formalize the changes, followed by brief planning for a community birthday celebration.
Ken shares a raw recount of his early exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, the cycle of short‑term fixes and relapses, and the pivotal moments that led him to the 12‑step program. He reflects on his first rehab experience, the challenges of halfway house life, and the lasting sobriety he has maintained since March 1994.
A veteran member reflects on early exposure to alcohol, the transient life that fueled resentment, and decades of commitment to AA. He shares memories of the program’s evolution, the power of community, and the ongoing work of treating his disease each day.
In this talk, Bruce shares his lifelong battle with alcohol, from early drinking in high school and college to a high‑pressured HR career that spiraled into addiction. He reflects on the turning point that led to his sobriety since 1987, the importance of sponsorship, and how he now serves others in recovery.
Abraham opens with a heartfelt prayer, sharing his view of alcoholism as a spiritual condition and his journey as a cross‑addicted person. He then recounts a vivid childhood memory of obsessing over Houdini and attempting a daring escape at a 1960s Halloween party, illustrating how early obsessions can echo later struggles. The blend of spirituality and personal storytelling offers encouragement for anyone in recovery.
Greg shares how Alcoholics Anonymous reshaped his life, guiding him toward a daily relationship with God and a deeper understanding of his disease. He reflects on a painful childhood in Detroit, the lingering impact of trauma, and how spiritual practice now informs his health, money, and self‑care.
A raw recount of growing up in Queens’ projects, where poverty, broken families, gambling, and a sugar addiction shaped a lifelong struggle. The speaker reflects on constant hustling, cultural clashes, and the ongoing journey toward recovery and self‑acceptance.
Sandra, an alcoholic, recounts how a chaotic family environment led to her first drink at age nine and a lifelong reliance on alcohol for worth and connection. She reflects on the impact of early exposure, sibling dynamics, and a sponsor’s reminder that her presence matters, shaping her path toward recovery.
In this candid share, the speaker recounts a upbringing without alcohol, turning to food and weight‑watch programs before discovering drinking in college. A harrowing police pursuit and a close call with a DUI become the catalyst for seeking help, leading to steps, a sponsor, and a commitment to recovery.
Kurt shares a raw account of a traumatic childhood, early burn injury, family dysfunction and the restless, irritable feelings that preceded his drinking. He reflects on how those early wounds guided him to Alcoholics Anonymous and the ongoing work of recovery.
Art shares his 15‑year sobriety story, recalling a childhood in East LA where alcohol, cultural pressures, and language barriers shaped his early life. He reflects on how step work helped him take responsibility, confront resentment, and connect with a higher power.