His parents divorced when he was four years old and his mother was awarded custody. That changed when his father kidnapped him and his brother and took them out of state. He lived out of state with his father from age five until the age of 12.
It was an unhappy time of his life. His father was a raging alcoholic who was angry at the world and took it out on everyone.
Eventually, the speaker ended up back with his mother in California. But when he returned he was a different person.
He was angry. He was traumatized. And it wasn't long before alcohol and drugs became a part of his life. He spent some 16 years in jails and mental hospitals. He drank for 42 years and used heroin for 38 years. He really expected to be dead by the time he was 40.
During the time he drank and used drugs, it was suggested that he seek help in the 12 step programs. These suggestions came from parole boards and counselors while he was incarcerated. And while he reluctantly attended the meetings they suggested he attend he never paid much attention to what was going on. His belief was that he didn't have a problem, that other people didn't know how to party like he did.
It wasn't until his early 50s that he realized he could no longer continue as he was. He knew that he would end up in prison, a mental hospital, or in the cemetery. He made a decision to get sober, no matter what it took. At the time he was homeless and stealing every day get enough alcohol and drugs to drown out his self-imposed pain.
During the time he drank and used drugs, it was suggested that he seek help in the 12 step programs. These suggestions came from parole boards and counselors while he was incarcerated. And while he reluctantly attended the meetings they suggested he attend he never paid much attention to what was going on. His belief was that he didn't have a problem, that other people didn't know how to party like he did.
It wasn't until his early 50s that he realized he could no longer continue as he was. He knew that he would end up in prison, a mental hospital, or in the cemetery. He made a decision to get sober, no matter what it took. At the time he was homeless and stealing every day get enough alcohol and drugs to drown out his self-imposed pain.
He spent a couple of weeks in detox and then lived for a year in a halfway house. At that point, he decided to go back into business for himself and started making plans for a new life.
Life has been great since that time even though he's faced many obstacles, including deaths in his family, divorces, and a few illnesses. Even so, he expressed his gratitude for the blessings he has found in the 12-step programs.
His parting message to the audience was that there is no good reason to lose our sobriety – only excuses.
Life has been great since that time even though he's faced many obstacles, including deaths in his family, divorces, and a few illnesses. Even so, he expressed his gratitude for the blessings he has found in the 12-step programs.
His parting message to the audience was that there is no good reason to lose our sobriety – only excuses.
