Surrendering the Isms When Drinking Was Just the Symptom – Ernie G.

About This Speaker Tape

Ernie G. shares his journey from a high-class lifestyle filled with fast cars, flashy clothes, and cocaine dealing to hitting rock bottom and finding sobriety through AA. His story begins with a life of excess, where his alcohol and cocaine use escalated, leading to the collapse of his marriage and career. After a DEA sting landed him in federal prison, Ernie continued to struggle with addiction until a moment of clarity during a business meeting led him to seek help. His client, whom he refers to as his guardian angel, paid for his inpatient treatment, marking the start of his recovery.

Ernie emphasizes the importance of surrender and working the steps with a sponsor. He recounts pivotal moments, such as finding a bindle of cocaine six months into sobriety and choosing to call his sponsor instead of relapsing. His relationship with his daughter and ex-wife healed over time, thanks to the principles of AA. Ernie also highlights the power of fellowship and finding people with great sobriety to connect with, which he believes is crucial for newcomers.

Today, Ernie is approaching 16 years of sobriety and is engaged to be married. He credits AA for transforming his life and giving him the tools to be a better father, partner, and friend. His story is a testament to the possibilities of recovery and the importance of staying connected to the fellowship.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction to Ernie G.'s story of recovery
• 5:00 Ernie's early life and introduction to cocaine
• 15:00 Ernie's arrest and federal prison sentence
• 25:00 Moment of clarity leading to rehab
• 35:00 Finding a bindle of cocaine six months into sobriety
• 45:00 Healing relationships with daughter and ex-wife
• 55:00 Ernie's advice to newcomers in AA