Alcoholic, drug addict, and crazy are three of the self-proclaimed monikers Preston D. wore as a teenager. I first met him when he got sober seven years ago. Since then, we’ve attended many of the same men’s meetings, both in person and on Zoom. Though he moved from Houston to New York City to expand his career as successful artist two years ago, we’ve stayed connected through on-line meetings and during his visits back home. As one of my younger guests, Preston has spent his 20’s in recovery after a turbulent childhood marred by suicidal ideations and teenage years riddled with alcohol and drug addiction. The marijuana, booze, opioids, and cocaine coalesced into a fast-lane lifestyle and early entrepreneurial success with clothing and sneaker design. But his addictions soon torpedoed his achievements and ultimately took him down in a very short time. By age 19, Preston’s rapid descent to the bottom was arrested by an intervention orchestrated by his long-time therapist. That lead him to IOP treatment for his many addictions punctuated by fits and starts, and lots of doubts about sobriety. When he finally got to AA in 2014, he was totally beaten by alcohol and drugs, and ready to admit of defeat. He started attending meetings and got a sponsor to help him thoroughly work the steps. As AA became a more regular part of his life, it allowed Preston to pursue his dreams of being a working artist and lead to his move to New York. Tragically, over the past year, serious health issues punctuated by debilitating and chronic pain have pushed him to the limits of sanity and sobriety. Thankfully, the lifelines he tied to the higher-powered center of his AA program have allowed him to hang on without slipping.

Today, Preston’s recuperation from chronic pain has been eased by his steady involvement in AA, including service work, sponsorship, and prayer. With a lot to look forward to, he continually demonstrates how a solid commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous can enrich the quality of life. At an age when many of us alcoholics were still deep  in our cups, Preston’s experience in AA is a fine example of what is possible for other young people who are struggling with getting and staying sober. It’s an awesome and inspiring story, and one which I think you’ll enjoy listening to. So here he is from Brooklyn, New York, my fine friend and AA Brother, Preston D.

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

[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.]