The Fruits of Sobriety

Last night I spoke at a monthly graduation at one of our outlying houses in North Phoenix. Even though I’m CEO and founder of TLC, I only share if I’m asked.

And my message is always the same: I’m living sober - and so can you.

 I never take an evangelical rah rah approach. I don’t try to convince anyone it’s a good idea to get sober.  Life lets us know if sobriety is a good idea. If we’re having life problems because of alcohol or drugs then living sober might be a good idea.

I talk about what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like today.

I talk about dragging myself into a detox in Mesa, Arizona January 13, 1991, homeless, broke and dope sick.  I was 51 years, had hepatitis C, no job, and had lived the previous two weeks in a stolen car.  I feared my retirement might include a long prison term.

However, life changed after I admitted I was an alcoholic. After eleven days in detox I moved to a local halfway house that accepted me without money.

Within months my health started returning. I attended meetings and went to in-house groups. I found work with a former employer.  First I bought a used bicycle, then later an old beater of a car. Life got better.

At the end of the first year I moved into a dilapidated house I purchased with no money down and started TLC. Within 15 months we had over 130 clients.

Sobriety brought many changes:  I lost my parents and only brother. I reunited with my children. I got divorced.  Recently I married again - to a wonderful woman who brings me pleasure. I enjoy much success and prosperity. 

And it all happened because I got sober.  These are the things I shared with our clients.