Contentment as the Foundation of Recovery — Wes H.

About This Speaker Tape

Wes H. shares his 30-year journey of recovery, beginning with a childhood in a stern, emotionally volatile Texas household where fear was the primary governing force. He describes how he found solace in songwriting as a teenager, using music to express emotions he could not share with his brilliant but emotionally distant father. This creative passion eventually led him into a career in the music business, where heavy drinking became normalized and essential to the lifestyle.

His descent reached a critical point in Los Angeles, where he experienced a period of profound demoralization and a near-fatal suicide attempt. He describes a moment of clarity, prompted by thoughts of his wife, that stopped him from pulling the trigger of a .38 caliber Derringer. This rock bottom led him to his first AA meeting, where the shared experience of other members provided a lifeline of hope and a sense of identification.

Wes emphasizes a rigorous, daily approach to the 12 steps, inspired by a mentor who challenged him to work the entire sequence every morning. He discusses the difference between mere abstinence and true recovery, noting that maintaining a daily spiritual practice is what allows him to remain content regardless of life's external discomforts. He also reflects on the challenges of navigating business relationships within the fellowship and the importance of continuous self-inventory.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction of Wes H. and discussion on the spiritual connection found in Zoom meetings
• 13:20 Childhood in Texas and the role of fear and emotional volatility in his home
• 22:50 Early drinking habits and the culture of alcohol in his family
• 33:10 Career as a musician and the transition to living in Los Angeles
• 46:15 Detailed account of his suicide attempt and the moment of clarity that saved him
• 55:40 First meeting experience and the impact of hearing Tony M. speak
• 1:05:20 The teaching of working all 12 steps every single day as a design for living
• 1:15:45 Dealing with 'sober horse thieves' and character defects in business