Getting sober at age 58, Steve had been drinking for 35 years with many opportunities along the way to acknowledge his overuse and later abuse of alcohol. But like many who got sober later in life, Steve managed his drinking, mostly limiting it to binges on weekends and holidays. Though it interfered at times during his marriage and in his relationship with his children, Steve held his marriage together for 14 years until his drinking resulted in divorce. He continued to drink and even attained success in his field, all while his increasing alcohol use caused deleterious consequences to his career and social life. Steve ultimately entered AA, though not necessarily to get sober. In fact, he hoped that attendance at AA would somehow absolve his need for the Program. Fortunately, he stuck around long enough for that attitude to change. As he attended more and more meetings, he discovered a solution to the problem he had been so reluctant to admit for so many years.

By working the Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with a dedicated sponsor and continuously attending meetings, Steve has solidified his place in Program. Through daily prayer and meditation, plus constant work with new men, Steve’s involvement in AA has become a demonstrative of a Program well worked.

I believe you will find Steve’s story insightful and upbeat. So, get comfortable and please enjoy today’s episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my fine 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. 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.]