Catherine S.   AA speaker

Catherine S. AA speaker

Recovery Radio Network

speaking in 2011

HonestInspiringSupportiveHopefulRaw

34:4628 Dec 2016

RSS Feed

Catherine S.: A Journey from Darkness to Light in Alcohol Recovery

Episode Overview

  • Feeling out of place from a young age can lead to early alcohol use.
  • Frequent relocations can exacerbate feelings of not fitting in.
  • Community support is crucial in recovery.
  • Misconceptions about alcoholism can delay seeking help.
  • Daily willingness and understanding the disease concept are key to staying sober.
"I used to be a people pleaser. Today I don't have to be that. Today I get to be me."

Catherine S. takes the stage with an honest and raw recount of her journey through alcoholism and into recovery. Speaking to a packed room, she begins with a humble greeting, expressing gratitude for the support and community around her. Catherine's story is one of feeling out of place from a young age, exacerbated by frequent relocations due to her father's military career.

Her first encounter with alcohol at 11 set the stage for years of heavy drinking and blackouts, leading to dangerous behaviours and deep-seated shame. Catherine shares poignant moments, like the time she handed her newborn son to his father just to get a drink, highlighting the all-consuming nature of her addiction. Her narrative shifts as she describes hitting rock bottom and the pivotal moment she sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous.

The community's unwavering support and the realisation that she didn't have to drink every day if she chose not to were game-changers for her. Her speech is filled with anecdotes about her early misconceptions of what an alcoholic looked like and her stubborn determination to prove she wasn't one. Yet, it was this very stubbornness that kept her coming back to AA meetings until she finally accepted her reality.

Today, Catherine is grateful for the life she leads, attributing her sobriety to understanding the disease concept and working the steps diligently. Catherine's heartfelt message is clear: recovery is possible, and life without alcohol can be fulfilling and joyous. She encourages others to embrace their journey, stay connected with supportive communities, and be true to themselves. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of AA. Feeling inspired?

Catherine's journey might just be the motivation you need to take the next step in your own recovery.

Podcast buttons

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!