Self-Delusion as the Alcoholic’s First Defense Against Seeing the Problem – Addie H.

About This Speaker Tape

Addie Hale shares her journey through Alcoholics Anonymous, beginning with her early life in a chaotic family environment marked by alcoholism. Her mother found sobriety in AA in 1941, but Addie's own path was fraught with denial and self-delusion until she hit rock bottom and sought help in 1982. She recounts the transformative power of AA, the importance of traditions, and the spiritual growth she experienced through the program.

Addie's story is deeply personal, touching on her struggles with marriage, parenting, and loss, including the death of her daughter. She emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a fit spiritual condition and the ongoing nature of recovery. Her narrative is enriched by historical anecdotes about early AA meetings and the impact of key figures like her uncle Tex and her sponsor Vivian. Addie's life today is a testament to the promises of AA, filled with love, service, and gratitude.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Addie introduces herself and expresses gratitude for the enthusiastic group
• 5:00 Addie recounts her early denial of her drinking problem and her doctor's intervention
• 15:00 Addie describes her mother's entry into AA in 1941 and the early days of the program
• 30:00 Addie shares the story of her uncle Tex and the formation of the hole in the ground meeting
• 45:00 Addie talks about her sponsor Vivian and the impact she had on her recovery
• 60:00 Addie reflects on her marriage to Bill and the growth they experienced together in AA
• 75:00 Addie discusses the loss of her daughter Holly and the importance of spiritual connection