In this episode, I sit down with Ciara, who is 22 years old and is celebrating two years sober today!

Ciara shares honestly about how her drinking started when she was around 15. What began as typical teenage drinking slowly became more and more problematic, and over time alcohol and other substances started to take over her life. She talks about how she was living for the weekends, where drinking became the centre of everything and nothing else really mattered.

After an honest conversation with a friend, Ciara realised something needed to change. Around that time a member of AA noticed she was struggling and offered to bring her to a meeting. That decision ended up being one of the most important turning points in her life.

We talk about what it’s like getting sober at such a young age, how Alcoholics Anonymous helped her rebuild her life, and the pride she feels today in the person she’s becoming.

We also talk about Irish Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (IREYPAA). IREYPAA is a community for young people in recovery across Ireland that organises events, conventions and gatherings where young people in sobriety can connect, support each other and show that recovery can still be full of life and fun.

The next convention, IREYPAA 8, will take place at the Shearwater Hotel & Spa from 27–29 March 2026.

📍 Location: Marina Point, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Ireland (H53 F5P9)

If you want to learn more about IREYPAA or find upcoming events, you can visit:

https://ireypaa.org/⁠