Why the Solution Should Never Be Diluted – Mike S.

About This Speaker Tape

other - 2016

Mike S. traces his path from a near-fatal overdose and a three-day coma to a life where his 'dark past' serves as his primary asset. A former filmmaker and attorney, Mike describes the wreckage of 31 years of drinking: stealing from his family, bankrupting a business partner, and a suicide attempt that left his daughter traumatized. He dismantles the idea of 'hanging in there' sobriety, arguing instead for a thorough application of the Big Book. Mike maps out the grueling process of making 212 direct amends, including a raw reconciliation with his daughter on a street in Delray Beach and a surprising act of forgiveness from a former business partner in Michigan. He makes the case for a 'full-strength' recovery, rejecting diluted versions of the program in favor of a rigorous spiritual awakening and a total reliance on a Higher Power.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Mike S. opens by acknowledging his mentors, Pat and Pete, and the metaphor of 'backing out of the garage' in his six years of sobriety.
• 4:15 Laughter: Mike tells the story of his Golden Doodle and being offered drugs at a dog park in Delray.
• 8:20 Mike discusses the Big Book promise on page 124 regarding the dark past becoming a greatest asset.
• 11:30 Mike describes his near-death experience, the three-day coma, and his initial confusion about being an alcoholic.
• 15:45 Mention of Step 5: Mike's attempt to get absolution from a priest and the resulting humorous exchange.
• 20:10 Mike describes the 'doorstop' phase of his Big Book and his transition to working the steps with Pete.
• 24:30 Discussion of Step 7: Mike's perspective on the 56 words of the Seventh Step prayer and the necessity of faith over word count.
• 27:15 Mike details the process of making 212 direct amends and the 'unexpected' results of the amends to his childhood friend.
• 30:40 The emotional scene of Mike making amends to his daughter on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
• 34:15 Mike shares a story about his first sober flight to New York and praying with his daughter in a hotel room.
• 38:50 Mike describes praying in a public courthouse bathroom during his divorce proceedings.
• 45:10 Mike's final metaphor regarding 'diluted' recovery and the danger of accepting a watered-down solution.