Preston D.: Turning Turmoil into Triumph Through Sobriety and Art
Sobriety and recovery allowed me to really tap into who I truly am and what I really want to do with this life that aa has given me, and that is being an artist.
Imagine being a teenager battling addiction and suicidal thoughts. That was Preston D.'s reality. In this episode of 'AA Recovery Interviews', Preston opens up about his turbulent journey through alcoholism and drug addiction. His story starts with a childhood filled with despair and spirals into a fast-paced lifestyle fueled by marijuana, booze, opioids, and cocaine.
By the age of 19, his life was in shambles, leading to an intervention by his therapist that steered him towards Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) treatment and, eventually, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Preston's path to sobriety wasn't smooth. It was marked by setbacks and doubts, but he found his footing in AA in 2014. Moving from Houston to New York City to chase his dream of becoming a successful artist posed new challenges.
However, the support network he built through AA kept him grounded. He shares how the third step of AA helped him connect with a higher power, bringing peace and stability into his life. Throughout the episode, Preston reflects on the transformative power of sobriety. He talks about how staying sober has unlocked his creativity and allowed him to pursue his passion for art.
This episode isn't just about recovery; it's about the incredible gifts that come with it—community, peace, and the freedom to follow one's dreams. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Preston's story is a beacon of hope and resilience. Tune in to hear how he turned his life around and found joy in sobriety.