Nicknamed “Happy Jackie” by her meeting mates, Jackie first came to Alcoholics Anonymous to grudgingly fulfill the once-a-week AA meeting requirement set by her 31st psychiatrist. It was the culmination of a life that began as a two-pound baby who’d spent the first six months of her life in an incubator. Raised with the instilled belief that, even as a teenager, she was still too weak to accomplish anything, Jackie was spurred on to making herself strong and self-sufficient. But it took alcohol to ease the pain, doubt, and shame long enough for her to accomplish it. With each success was further validation that she couldn’t possibly be an alcoholic, though by that time it was apparent to everyone but Jackie. By the time she had been through several abusive marriages and raising two children, her drinking was worse than ever. Her 80-hour work weeks and admirable production as vice president of a bank shielded her from the stark self-realization that she was a serious alcoholic. But even as a functional drunk, ruinous living eventually caught up to Jackie’s rapidly deteriorating life. In emotional and spiritual desperation, Jackie finally admitted her powerlessness and reached out to her higher power for help. By 1994 she found her way into AA and was she was on the road to recovery. However, in 1997, Jackie abused Valium for one day. The following day, she was back in an AA meeting. Though she could have easily sloughed off the one-day slip, she was inspired by what she had learned in the Program about telling the truth and, thus, reset her sobriety date. She’s been sober ever since.

Jackie’s experience in AA speaks to the very tenets of the Program. Since getting sober, she’s stayed close to AA through regular meetings, service work, and sponsoring other women. Her sobriety and relationships with many AA’s have helped her navigate through the darkest of times, while bolstering her belief that a life energy beyond understanding will continue guide her journey every step of the way.

I think you’ll find Jackie’s story too be both uplifting and meaningful. She’s got the kind of vigor and energy that enrich the meetings she attends and the people she touches. So relax for the next 60 minutes and enjoy this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my guest and AA sister, Jackie B.