Greg S. on Family-of-Origin, Long-Term Service, and the Inside Job

About This Speaker Tape

Greg S. shares a journey marked by a lifelong struggle with substance abuse, deeply rooted in a family history of alcoholism and a childhood feeling of not fitting in. His early years were defined by a passion for rock and roll, leading him to become a professional drummer and later a record company executive. This environment fostered a functional alcoholism where his destructive behaviors—including multiple failed marriages and legal troubles—were often tolerated or ignored by the music industry.

Greg's turning point came after a period of escalating volatility, culminating in a drunken assault on a family member. Facing potential prison time and experiencing a dark spiritual tunnel, he entered a 30-day inpatient treatment program. This experience introduced him to the disease concept of alcoholism and the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found a new way of living.

Now with over 25 years of sobriety, Greg emphasizes the importance of long-term service and sponsorship. He reflects on the necessity of working the 12 Steps to achieve a spiritual awakening and the ongoing process of addressing core wounds, such as a fear of abandonment, to maintain a healthy and honest life.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction to Greg S., his background in the music industry, and his path to sobriety.
• 12:20 Discussion on the family history of alcoholism and the influence of a Catholic Irish upbringing.
• 25:15 Greg describes his early teenage years, beginning to use marijuana and alcohol at age 14.
• 38:40 Reflections on the fear of abandonment as a core wound and how it impacted his romantic relationships.
• 52:10 The experience of being fired from his first band due to his drinking.
• 1:10:15 Detailed account of the moment of clarity and the decision to enter rehab after a violent incident.
• 1:22:30 Navigating the legal system and the role of the court in keeping him in AA meetings.
• 1:35:50 Discussion on sponsorship, the Big Book, and the slow process of spiritual growth.