Growing up in a home fractured by alcoholism, Bret B. had first-hand exposure to his father’s untreated disease. The physical and verbal abuse was a lot for child to handle. Unfortunately, any solace or comfort that might have been offered by Bret’s mother was extinguished by a stroke she suffered in her early 30s (when Bret was 8) which left her paralyzed and unable to speak.  Like many alcoholics who survived traumatic childhoods, Brett found booze in his teens. It helped him through any troubles he faced in high school and college. As a functional alcohol abuser, he somehow managed to earn a master’s degree and a high paying job right out of college. But the luster of his early achievements wore off quickly as drinking became a enslaving part of his life. Many lost jobs and two divorces provided overwhelming evidence that his life was self-destructing at a rapid pace. By the time he finally made it into AA at age 35, Bret had created a mountain of wreckage which appeared insurmountable. Fortunately, he found a strong AA community that was committed to helping the newcomer. With the help of the fellowship and a wise sponsor, Bret immersed himself in the Program. Going to meetings, working the 12 Steps, and sponsoring other men became a vital part of his life.

Today, as a dedicated and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bret has made the Program central in his life. The gifts of sobriety continue to materialize in both his personal and professional lives. I feel that Bret’s story, brightened by continuous involvement in AA, is one every alcoholic should hear. So put your phone on do not disturb and enjoy the rousing words of this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Bret B.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to “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.

 I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, 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.

[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.]