Ernie's story is a fascinating excursion into a high-class lifestyle of fast cars, flashy clothes, and glittery nightclubs, all underwritten by a high paying day job and cocaine dealing on the side. As his alcohol and cocaine use turned into alcoholism and drug addiction, all accountability to career, family, and friends evaporated. His risky behavior escalated until he was arrested in a DEA sting and jailed in federal prison. When he got out, he managed to avoid cocaine, aided by increasing use of alcohol. Meanwhile, his marriage and parenthood suffered irreparably. Separation from his wife and daughter ensued and culminated in divorce. Left alone and still addicted, Ernie returned to his nightclubs every night of the week to find relief, but those days were gone. Incomprehensible demoralization was hastening his demise, until his moment of clarity during a hungover visit to his largest business client, who also paid for Ernie’s inpatient treatment. From there, three AA members, including his present day sponsor, pulled Ernie into a Program of hard work, prayer, and service. His relationships with his daughter and ex-wife finally began to heal. Today, nearly 16 years later, he is still sober and his life reflects the willingness of a man who unconditionally allowed the grace of God and the Program of AA to change his life.

There’s a lot more of Ernie’s story that you’re going to enjoy, some with which you may identify. Like all my other interviews, it’s both unique and entertaining, while conveying the serious message of possibilities and hope available in Alcoholic Anonymous. So, enjoy listening to this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Ernie G.

Visit the AA Recovery Interviews website for more information and to contact me, Howard L.

Check out Howard’s Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

To contact Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, visit aa.org.

[Disclaimer: In strict adherence to A.A.’s traditions, my anonymous guests and I speak for ourselves only, not for Alcoholics Anonymous at large. We share only our personal experiences with A.A. recovery. We acknowledge that AA’s sole concern is the recovery and continued sobriety of those alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. As members of AA, our primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. – Howard L.]