Steve first got sober in the early 80s. But five difficult and prolonged relapses over the next 25 years delayed his current sobriety date until July 2008. As bad things got after each relapse, Steve somehow managed to make it back to AA with plenty of reasons why he slipped. Unlike some alcoholics who stay out weeks or months before re-entering AA, Steve’s intervals of daily drinking lasted for years. During those intervals, he somehow managed to keep his job, though his physical and mental health were steadily declining with every drink. Several stints of in-patient treatment restored him to sobriety and guided him to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. But sporadic sponsorship, intermittent meetings, and insufficient Step work eventually gave way to whatever cravings and triggers led Steve back to drinking, often for years at-a-time. But it didn’t kill him. By the time Steve picked up his 5th desire chip he’d been thoroughly beaten by the disease and willing to do whatever was necessary to stay sober. The sponsor who’d helped him after his 4th relapse was willing to take Steve back after his last re-entry into AA. Through a combination of willingness and compliance, Steve’s ultimate surrender transported him to the center of the Program. He finally worked the steps, consistently prayed, studied the Big Book, attended regular meetings, and sponsored other recovering alcoholics. Steve has also volunteered at our local Intergroup every week for the past 15 years.

For everything Steve lost in a quarter-decade of slipping, he never lost the belief that he could stay sober in AA. That he lived to survive his relapses is a miracle in itself. His story provides a unique kind of hope to others who have struggled or are now struggling with the desire to drink. So please enjoy the next hour with my long-time friend and AA brother, Steve R.

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 testimonials 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.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[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.]