Paul's Journey: From Despair to Sobriety
Episode Overview
Cherish your sobriety as a precious gift. Put your sobriety first; everything else will follow. Making amends is crucial for healing relationships. Community support can provide hope when you have none. The 12 steps of AA are essential for lasting recovery.
My primary purpose is just to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Paul's story on Sober Talk SA is a raw and heartfelt journey through the ups and downs of alcohol recovery. He starts by sharing his gratitude for the gift of sobriety, emphasising how crucial it is to cherish it. Paul’s sobriety date is the 7th of February, 1986, and he speaks about the importance of putting sobriety first, a lesson he learned in an Aboriginal rehab in Darwin.
He vividly recounts how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members gave him hope when he had none, and how their advice to 'not pick up the first drink' and 'keep coming back' became his mantras. Paul’s early life was marked by shyness, introversion, and an overwhelming sense of fear. His first drink changed everything, leading him down a path of blackouts, violence, and eventual homelessness. However, his journey to sobriety was not straightforward.
It took him 18 months from his first AA meeting to finally put down the drink for good. Through the 12 steps of AA and countless meetings, Paul found a new purpose. He highlights the significance of making amends, particularly with his mother, who suffered the brunt of his abusive behaviour during his drinking days. Today, Paul lives in a home filled with love, a stark contrast to his past.
He cherishes the relationships he has rebuilt with his family and the new ones he has formed within the AA community. Paul’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, community support, and the transformative impact of sobriety. If you're looking for inspiration or just a reminder that change is possible, Paul's story is a must-listen.