Drinking Was the Secret That Kept the Other Secrets — So Drinking Was the Safe Within the Safe – Julie R.

About This Speaker Tape

Julie R. shares her journey through alcoholism, starting from her first drink at 14, which provided relief from fear and anxiety. Her drinking escalated in college and later in her marriage, leading to a coerced rehab stay after just six months of marriage. Despite initial resistance, Julie embraced AA and the 12 Steps, achieving six years of sobriety before relapsing due to unresolved issues and a lack of deep step work. Her return to sobriety was marked by honesty, humility, and a renewed commitment to the program, including thorough step work and service.

Julie's story highlights the importance of complete honesty in step work, especially the fourth step, and the dangers of holding back painful secrets. Her relapse taught her the necessity of addressing all aspects of her life, including her traumatic childhood and abusive marriage. Today, Julie finds strength in service, sponsorship, and the fellowship of AA, which she credits for her ability to navigate life's challenges soberly and to build a loving relationship with her daughter.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction by host Howard L.
• 2:30 Julie's first drink at 14 and early binge drinking
• 10:45 Coerced rehab stay and initial resistance
• 25:20 First sobriety date and early AA participation
• 40:10 Relapse after six years and incomplete step work
• 55:30 Return to sobriety and thorough step work
• 70:15 Divorce and finding strength in AA
• 85:00 Current sobriety and service work