Don M.: From Struggling Artist to 28 Years Sober
His sobriety has demonstrated the impact of a well-worked program.
Imagine a young artist, Don M., who thought the path to creativity was paved with alcohol. In his late teens, he embraced the stereotype of the hard-drinking, tortured artist. His passion for painting turned into a solitary endeavor, fueling his growing alcoholism. Ironically, painting houses became his main source of income, which he spent on daily bar visits. Despite managing to support his family, his drinking wreaked havoc on his marriage.
Half-hearted attempts to quit drinking always fell short, and the hole he dug for himself started looking like a grave. Everything changed when Don had an epiphany about how his alcoholism was affecting his young son. This moment of clarity was the push he needed. The very next day, he walked into an AA meeting and began his journey to sobriety. That was 28 years ago.
In this episode of 'AA Recovery Interviews', Don opens up about his tumultuous relationship with alcohol and how AA became his lifeline. He talks about the steps he took, the importance of having a sponsor, and how sponsoring others played a crucial role in his recovery. Although his true spiritual awakening took years, Don’s persistence paid off, leading to numerous gifts that sobriety brought into his life.
Don’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative impact of AA. Whether you're struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is, Don’s journey offers hope and practical insights into the road to recovery.