David R. from Atlantic Highlands, NJ speaking on steps 1-12 at the NCCYPAA Young Peoples Conference in Raleigh, NC - September 2nd 2006
David shares how he grew up in a broken and violent home, found alcohol at 14, and quickly spiraled into decades of destruction, losing jobs, relationships, and even his health—eventually ending up drinking mouthwash, homeless, and pronounced dead before being revived. His first attempt at AA failed when he coasted without working the steps, but after a relapse he met a sponsor who walked him through the Big Book and the program in depth, leading to a true spiritual awakening. Through completing amends, he reconciled family relationships, found long-lost relatives, and rebuilt his life. Today he works on Wall Street managing a computer department, earned his degree, is pursuing graduate studies, and lives with faith, service, and peace, emphasizing that AA’s promise of recovery comes through action, honesty, and reliance on God.