East Coast Alcoholics Throw Up Three Hours Earlier — Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

Sandy B. shares a journey of recovery that began in 1964, detailing a lifelong struggle with a sense of not belonging and an early experience with polio that left him feeling isolated. He describes the rapid onset of his alcoholism during his college years at Yale, where alcohol served as a psychological shield, transforming an intimidating world into one where he felt confident and wanted.

His career as a Marine Corps fighter pilot is highlighted, including the terrifying experience of suffering withdrawal symptoms while in flight. He recounts the danger of these episodes, such as accidentally shutting off his engine during takeoff, and his eventual medical discharge after a series of psychiatric evaluations and a grand mal seizure that led to his commitment to a psychiatric ward.

Sandy emphasizes the role of a strong sponsor and the spiritual nature of the disease, arguing that alcoholism is an inordinate longing for a Higher Power. He discusses the importance of moving beyond self-centeredness and the process of forgiving others by overcoming the ego, ultimately finding peace and reconciliation with his children and former spouse.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction and anniversary date of December 7, 1964
• 5:42 Description of the first night of drinking at university and the immediate mental shift
• 13:50 Joining the Marine Corps and training as a fighter pilot
• 18:20 Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and near-miss accidents while flying the F-8
• 23:45 The medical discharge process and the failure of the Navy to recognize the disease of alcoholism
• 27:10 Hospitalization in the nut ward and the first introduction to AA meetings
• 31:20 Meeting his lifelong sponsor, a fellow Marine captain
• 35:15 Discussion of divorce, six children, and the slow process of family reconciliation
• 43:10 Analysis of the Big Book's definition of the illness and the need for a spiritual experience
• 53:40 Teaching on forgiveness and the transition from self-centeredness to being Higher Power-centered