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Raised in a politically powerful family in a major eastern city, Patrick’s privileged upbringing in the public eye was belied by his alcoholic father’s physically abusive and destructive behavior behind closed doors. That sacrosanct family secret tormented Patrick and his siblings, as they were forced to put on the mask of a perfectly happy family to the outside world. Seeking relief from the terror and madness, Patrick started drinking as an adolescent. Ironically enough, the only relationship he ever enjoyed with his father was when he shared bouts of drinking when Patrick was in his early teens. But the booze-induced relationship with his father did little to blunt his father’s severe disappointment when Patrick refused to follow the career track into the family’s political machine. He left home after college and went to New York to pursue an acting career. But that particular fantasy was supplanted by a job, and an eventual career, as a talent agent for actors. Patrick, not unsurprisingly, found himself in an industry rife with alcohol, drugs, and lascivious behavior.
From there, Patrick’s career and drinking simultaneously skyrocketed until he crashed and burned in the end. Thoroughly beaten by alcohol, Patrick found his way into Alcoholics Anonymous in 1989 and he’s still sober today. Working the steps and studying the Big Book in earnest with a gifted sponsor, Patrick’s Program became a beacon of hope to others whom he led to AA. His involvement in AA is demonstrated on a regular basis, and many lives have been touched by his heartfelt and sincere desire to be of service to them.
There’s plenty to learn from Patrick’s experience and enthusiastic approach to the Program. So, please enjoy this episode of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Patrick O.
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 Paperbackfrom Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.
I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.
[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.]