[This is an encore of Episode 61 originally released January 19, 2022].

It was 1996 when Brent first attempted to get sober. But like so many others, it took him several attempts to fully embrace AA and do the work necessary to achieve solid and contented sobriety. Those earlier attempts at sobriety included significant stints in AA over the years, during which time he went to meetings and actually got to know members of the fellowship. But his half-hearted efforts, and a belief that he could still smoke pot, thwarted his efforts at sustained or meaningful sobriety. He slipped time and time again. Though his marriage and job remained largely intact through the years, his slow descent into hopelessness and despair were marked indicators that he indeed needed help.

It took two interventions, three treatment centers, multiple forays in AA, and a threatened divorce before Brent’s desire to stay sober finally surfaced from within. It was at that point that he experienced the spiritual impetus to get sober for good and all. And that meant no more marijuana, prescription drugs, or alcohol.

In the three years of Brent’s current sobriety, he has worked the Program as suggested while staying in the middle of the herd. He goes to daily meetings, studies the Big Book, works the 12 Steps with his sponsor and sponsees, prays, and does service work for his AA groups. And, unlike earlier periods of faint sobriety, he ignores marijuana’s beguilement as a harmless threat to his sobriety. It’s an approach that has worked successfully for many people with whom Brent surrounds himself. I found significant similarities in Brent’s story with my own, especially those pertaining to marijuana’s persistent, baffling and insidious allure. You may find such similarities as well. So clear your schedule for the next hour of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA Brother, Brent F.

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.]