Theresa shares her path from a teenage binge drinker and chronic relapser to a sober adult with a 2002 sobriety date. She reflects on family pressures, early drug use, the relief alcohol offered, and how the AA steps and a supportive sponsor helped her build a lasting recovery.
The speaker reflects on waking up on April 28, 2018, and choosing not to drink, likening the decision to a painful breakup. He shares his long‑standing battle with alcohol, early family challenges, multiple rehab experiences, and the recent loss of a close friend, highlighting the ongoing struggle with depression and the importance of fellowship.
Brandy shares her life story—from being adopted and feeling different, to early drug experimentation, a painful blackout, and a deepening love for alcohol. She recounts a recent relapse during the pandemic, the grip of craving, and how the fellowship of AA helped her find a path back to sobriety.
Tricia shares her raw story of starting meth and alcohol at a shockingly young age, navigating a chaotic life of addiction, and confronting the pain of isolation. She describes how discovering a 12‑step program finally gave her a sense of belonging and breathing room. Her candid reflections highlight the deep personal work needed beyond the substances themselves.
Terry shares his long‑term recovery story, from earning sobriety in 1987 to the tragic loss of his brother to overdose. He emphasizes the power of daily commitment, sponsorship, and AA traditions in sustaining lasting sobriety.
The speaker, eight years sober and 37 weeks pregnant, reflects on how chronic discomfort fueled her alcoholism, from early acting pursuits to Hollywood, bartending, and eventual recovery. She explores the pull of performance as a mask and the challenges of staying clean while expecting.
Zach shares his journey from pre‑COVID group secretary to a 12‑year sober member, highlighting daily gratitude Zoom meetings, the fragility of that gratitude, and the importance of staying active in the program. He also reflects on early‑morning drinking, family background, and the support network of sponsors.
Lynn, an alcoholic, shares how a professional family background, strict religious upbringing, and high expectations fueled her drinking and denial. She reflects on generational patterns, the struggle to escape expectations, and the peace she’s found by accepting life’s moments through AA. Her story highlights the power of community and self‑compassion in recovery.
Ethan shares how his early exposure to his parents’ gambling addiction shaped his relationship with control and pleasure. He reflects on the ninth step, recognizing his ego‑driven need to dominate situations, and how sobriety has opened a path to healthier self‑understanding.
Monty reflects on a turbulent childhood marked by hurricanes, family violence, and cultural displacement, leading to early substance use and feelings of powerlessness. He shares how these experiences shaped his path to sobriety, celebrated on February 10, 2017, and the role of sponsors and community in his recovery.
Sonia opens up about a troubled upbringing, giving up her infant son for adoption, and years of codependent relationships and substance abuse. She describes the turning point that led her to get clean in 2017 and how she now works to heal family connections and find purpose in recovery.
In this heartfelt talk, Danny, an 87‑year‑old longtime AA member, reflects on his humble Bronx upbringing, decades of marriage and sobriety, and the challenges of retirement. He shares personal insights about humility, aging in recovery, and the unexpected connections to his Italian heritage.
A raw recount of years spent spiraling through defiance, arrests, and endless treatment attempts, culminating in a pivotal moment of clarity that led to seeking rehab. The speaker reflects on failed AA exposure, family turmoil, and the hard‑won decision to finally pursue lasting recovery.
Ryan shares his turbulent childhood, first encounter with alcohol, and the spiral of multiple DUIs that led him to AA and sober living. He reflects on the impact of family chaos, denial, and the turning points that guided him toward recovery.
Robert shares his decades‑long battle with alcohol, from high‑school bingeing and multiple DUIs to the turning point that led him to seek recovery. He recounts vivid memories of near‑death experiences, legal troubles, and the personal losses that shaped his path toward sobriety.
In this heartfelt talk, Grapinder reflects on 13 years of sobriety, recounting his early struggles with short‑term clean dates, rehab, and finally embracing the 12‑step program. He also shares his multicultural upbringing in England and the hope it brings to others on the path to recovery.
James shares his life story, from a tumultuous youth marked by alcohol, drugs, and family upheaval, to finding grounding through faith and the USR fellowship. He reflects on the challenges of relapse, mental health struggles, and the lasting support of his recovery community.
Eddie shares his path from teenage drinking in the Bronx to a spiritual awakening that led him to AA, his struggles with relapse, and the support of his sponsors Arthur B. and Jim C. He talks about building a career as a special‑ed teacher, his marriage to a partner involved in Al‑Anon, and his new role leading a Spanish‑language AA meeting.
Michelle shares her experiences witnessing the transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous, particularly through the journey of a newcomer. She reflects on her own early struggles with faith and the program, the pain of a relapse in her family, and the profound gratitude she finds in observing others find sobriety and connection.
Vicki shares her journey to sobriety, beginning with a childhood marked by family dynamics and early tendencies towards harmful behaviors. She emphasizes the importance of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Big Book, and fellowship, particularly women’s meetings, while reflecting on her 38 years of recovery and the support system that has sustained her.
Richard shares his experiences growing up with alcoholic parents and a childhood marked by instability, leading to a life of partying and eventual sobriety. He reflects on family, relapse, and finding a path to recovery through faith and fellowship, celebrating 38 years of sobriety.
Butch shares reflections on his ten years of sobriety, emphasizing the importance of ‘doing the deal’ within AA and finding what works for each individual. He recounts his childhood experiences growing up in Los Angeles, navigating racial dynamics, and the pivotal moment he chose his hair over baseball, revealing a life arc shaped by family, faith, and a commitment to recovery.
Diana shares a poignant look back at her childhood, marked by a mother’s absence and a challenging family dynamic, ultimately leading to her journey with alcoholism. She reflects on early experiences of feeling different, the impact of her brother’s silence, and the importance of finding strength through sobriety and fellowship.
Wil shares his experiences navigating a life of privilege and ultimately finding solace in Alcoholics Anonymous. He reflects on family dynamics, relapse, and the importance of fellowship and sponsorship in maintaining sobriety, particularly after a period of wandering and prioritizing other pursuits.