The Obsession That Becomes a Power Greater Than Yourself – Bart R.

About This Speaker Tape

Fifth grade in New York City, beelining for the other side of the schoolyard to drink with the older guys. Bart R. grew up with a father as cold as a Minnesota winter and a mother who was a fragile, neurotic mix. He spent his youth in juvenile detention centers and shelters, sneaking out to drink Night Train with bums on the street. He tried to be a working man, but a birthday bottle of Jack Daniels turned his first day on the job into a farce.

For years, Bart was a "hang-around," a liar and a thief who used nitrous cans from supermarkets to stay "sober" while dying inside. He nearly killed a sponsor named Eric just for claiming life could be joyous. Eric responded by reading the Big Book to him. Bart found a Higher Power not through religion, but through the realization that he was besieged by an evil power outside himself. He admits he didn't leave much for his Higher Power to work with, but today he lives a rich life.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Bart R. introduces himself and his home group in Sedona.
• 6:15 Childhood memories of drinking in the schoolyard and the influence of Roger.
• 12:40 The 'Jack Daniels' birthday present and the first day of work for his father.
• 21:10 The first AA meeting and Bart's panicked attempt to escape the room.
• 28:30 Discussion on 'dry time' and the misery of sobriety without a spiritual awakening.
• 35:15 The confrontation with Eric and the decision to work the Big Book.
• 43:50 Detailed experience with Step 4 and the fear inventory.
• 51:20 The ninth step and the amends to the woman he abused in his youth.
• 58:10 The complex relationship and final amends to his father.
• 1:08:40 The 12th Step: Bringing sandwiches and the Big Book to Creedmoor Rehab.
• 1:15:20 Tribute to his sponsor Eric and the ripple effect of sponsorship.