Janet’s family of origin was rife with alcoholism. but also some recovery. Her father remained sober in AA for nearly 50 years. When she was a little girl, Janet even attended some AA meetings early in her father’s sobriety. But like so many alcoholics, Janet’s own foray into drinking was undeterred by family history or her father’s experience, though, years before quitting herself, she did ask him for a copy of the Big Book. At 17, Janet started drinking and progressed through high school, college, and early work life with few consequences from her increasingly frequent drinking. But her pattern of alcohol consumption showed the usual signs of trouble: Steady withdrawal from relationships, isolation from friends and family, and growing depression. Though she sought treatment for her co-occurring depression, it wasn’t until Janet’s realization that alcohol was running side-by-side with that depression, with derailment of her life not far ahead. By the time she came into AA in 1983, she had become emotionally, physically, and spiritually wrecked, with little hope of redemption. But she persevered during her early days of sobriety by attending meetings and just not drinking. Over time, she got a sponsor, worked the steps, and commenced her service work as a sponsor. Janet claimed her seat in the middle of the Program and she’s worked through many challenges over nearly four decades to stay there. Her commitment and dedication to AA is evident to all, as is her willingness to help other alcoholics.

I believe you’ll find Janet’s story to be exemplary of good long-term recovery in the Program. Her approach to sobriety is both instructive and inspiring. So please enjoy the next hour and ten minutes with my friend and AA sister, Janet H.

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. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book podcast, 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 testamonials 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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]