Matt J. describes his family tree as “littered with problem drinkers”, of which he became one all too quickly. As an only child, Matt grew up in a home where verbal and physical abuse reigned supreme. By the time his parents got divorced, his coping mechanisms included locking himself in his room with books and baseball cards upon which he could obsess. Such means of escape followed him into his teenage years when he found alcohol as a ready-made solution to his feelings of isolation, fear, and shame. Curiously, at a relatively young age, he reflected on his own drinking and wondered if he needed AA. But such introspection soon passed as he continued to drink more heavily throughout his college years and early business career. With drinking-related problems mounting, Matt’s solitary drinking damaged his marriage and job to the extent that suicide appeared an attractive option. Subsequently, though diagnosed with clinical depression, the prescribed medications did little to help as he continued to drink. Financial ruin, in the form of personal bankruptcy finally backed him into a corner from which there was no escape and Matt entered the rooms of AA in 2014.

Finding that some of his obsessive nature accompanied him into AA, Matt set about mastering the literature to the point of self-isolation in the Program. Fortunately, some old-timers convinced Matt to get involved in a balanced Program with service and fellowship as the core elements in his sobriety. Since then, Matt’s involvement in AA has emanated from the center of the Program. In addition to regular meetings, Matt co-hosts the podcast, Sober Friends, on which I’ve had the opportunity to appear.  

Considering his background, Matt’s success in Alcoholics Anonymous is encouraging evidence of the healing and gifts AA holds for those who really want it and who are willing to do the work. Matt’s personal level of contentment correlates beautifully with the level of service work he does within his Program and admirably reflects his desire to carry the message to other alcoholics.

So please enjoy the next 60 minutes with my podcasting friend and AA brother, Matt J.