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Bill’s turbulent life was ruled by alcoholism and nearly ended in suicide before he was saved by AA. Trouble started early for him when his father died of alcoholism when Bill was 18 months old. Any lessons to be learned were snuffed out by his step-father who spoke badly of Bill’s biological dad. The journey to ruination accelerated through Bill’s childhood and adolescence, as he found relief from alcohol for his unhappiness, self-loathing, and fear. With his problems exacerbated by bad behavior and drinking, Bill found himself kicked out of the house and on his own at 16. He somehow managed to cobble together a life amidst a disease that addled every decision. By the time he was in his mid-20’s, Bill had endured multiple DUIs and 3 trips to prison. He’d even been sentenced to treatment and AA meetings, but didn’t believe he had a problem. Even working off-shore on an oil rig, where no drinking was possible for weeks at a time, did little to abate the escalating disease every time he was back on shore. By the time he was in his mid-30s, Bill’s life was unravelling quickly as he became more and more isolated. His moment of clarity came on the verge of self-annihilation when he finally realized his powerlessness over alcoholism and the unmanageability of his life. Fortunately, the thought of AA divinely supplanted his use of the gun and he finally came into the rooms for good and all.
Bill’s 8+ years in Alcoholics Anonymous have rebuilt his life in many ways. Diligent work in the Steps allowed him to address lingering resentments from his earlier life and make amends for his alcoholic behavior over so many years. With sincere humility, he acknowledges the service work in his Program and the importance of regular meeting attendance. Bill’s life-tale since getting sober is one filled with God-given gifts and sober awareness of the significance of living the Program one day at a time. I think you’ll find much to be gained by listening to Bill’s story and invite you to enjoy the next hour and 10 minutes of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Bill C.
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.
Check out my Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com
[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 and no one receives financial gain from the show. 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.]