Paula P.: From Teenage Turmoil to 42 Years of Sobriety
I was being a fake because I would pretend I was fine, and it was like this mania of if I could control your perception of me... It was just I'd just fallen in love with god, just head over heels, in love with god and just the full knowledge that I had never been alone.
Paula P. squeezed an extraordinary amount of chaos into the few years between her first drink at 14 and her sobriety at 17. Now, 42 years sober, Paula shares her gripping story on AA Recovery Interviews. Growing up in a dysfunctional family with a violent father and an alcoholic mother, Paula's early years were marred by turmoil and addiction. She became the class bully, always in trouble and perpetually drinking.
Despite being sentenced to AA meetings by a juvenile court, Paula's drinking and drug use only escalated, leading to multiple stints in juvenile detention centers and group homes. Her life took a dramatic turn after she tried to kill her mother, resulting in her custody being turned over to the state. Facing serious adult prison time as she neared her 18th birthday, Paula experienced a moment of clarity that led her to finally embrace sobriety through AA.
In this episode, Paula recounts her journey from a troubled teen to a spiritually fulfilled adult. She describes how she found solace and strength in the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, saying, 'It was just I'd just fallen in love with God, just head over heels, in love with God and just the full knowledge that I had never been alone'.
Paula's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of AA and the possibility of redemption, no matter how far one has fallen. Her journey offers hope and inspiration to anyone struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is. Tune in to hear Paula's candid reflections on her past, the challenges she faced, and the spiritual awakening that changed her life.