As an alcoholic and drug addict throughout his teenage years, Randy L. got sober before being old enough to legally drink.  His difficult childhood was ruled by compulsive behavior, limited attention, and hyperactivity. Later diagnosed with ADHD, Randy was treated with meds that worked, but left him craving a calmer and steadier mental state. He soon relief in alcohol and marijuana. Though the damage occurred while he was a teenager, Randy’s rise to full-blown addiction was both rapid and severe. He exploited every opportunity to drink and use in high school and early college. Increasing isolated from his family, his behavior soon deteriorated into that of a drug-selling addict and alcoholic. His flawed belief that he was getting away with it fooled nobody but himself. Fortunately, his family arranged a very dramatic rescue plan for Randy that landed him in a 90-day treatment program, from which he emerged into accelerating participation in AA. At only 20 years of age, Randy relaunched his life by getting a sponsor, working the steps, going to meetings, and establishing a close fellowship in the Program with older men who taught him how to live sober.

Randy labels himself a high-bottom alcoholic. But the work he’s done in the program demonstrates the deep dive he’s taken into understanding his own life and the behavior that influenced his personal growth and success. Of particular insight was a highly traumatic event he experienced when he was six that greatly informed his thinking and actions throughout his life. Today, Randy’s total commitment to AA, his young family, and the businesses he runs, makes for a full and busy life. But the men who he’s both sponsored and befriended, will tell you that he’s a man of passion and empathy who is always ready to help. From first-hand knowledge, I know that to be true and I’m confident you’ll find his story to be both compelling and uplifting. So, without further ado, let me introduce to you my good friend and AA brother, Randy L.

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.]