Chris R. 5-8-2010Chris R. 5-8-2010
Mad Dog Recovery AA Speakers
Chris R. shares a bold, unfiltered AA talk about chronic relapse, rapid step work, spiritual experience and the necessity of sponsoring others. His message challenges comfortable meeting routines and focuses on clear, Big Book-based action for those who are truly done with drinking and using.
1:00:43•18 Aug 2026
Chris R. Brings a Message of Depth, Truth and No-Nonsense Recovery
Episode Overview
- Simply attending meetings is presented as insufficient; Chris stresses that working all 12 steps and using the Big Book is essential for lasting sobriety.
- He argues that soft, "candy coated" messages can be dangerous for real alcoholics and urges people to stop watering down the AA message.
- Chris highlights that spiritual connection and a clear experience of God are central to the solution, rather than just fear of consequences.
- Working with others and sponsoring is described as not optional but vital, especially to prevent relapse after long-term sobriety.
- He warns about overprescribing medications and notes many people with years sober relapsing around prescription drugs when transparency and caution are missing.
“We get well by helping others—that’s how we do it.”
What are the common struggles and victories in addiction recovery? Chris R. (Chris Raymer) takes the room on a raw, funny and straight-talking journey through alcoholism, relapse and real AA recovery. Introduced by Greg Roth and speaking lovingly of his late friend Mark Houston, Chris aims his message squarely at those who feel like they’ve "done AA" but still can’t stay sober.
You’ll hear him describe seven painful years of chronic relapse, a suicide attempt, and the simple but brutal truth he finally met in a group of men and women who actually used the Big Book and the 12 steps. He talks about being dragged—literally by a belt loop—back into a meeting, being asked if he was truly done, and then being taken rapidly through the steps instead of being parked in endless meetings.
For him, the turning point wasn’t more sharing, it was action: "We get well by helping others—that’s how we do it." Chris calls out soft-pedalled messages like "just keep coming back" when they’re not backed up with clear direction. He challenges the idea that meetings alone are enough, arguing that the real shift comes from working the steps, getting connected to a higher power, and sponsoring others.
He also warns about over-reliance on medication and the dangers facing people with long-term sobriety who stop working with others. The style is direct, irreverent and full of dark humour, but underneath it all sits a deep affection for AA and the people still suffering. This talk will appeal to anyone who’s tired of half-measures, wondering why they keep relapsing, or curious what "a message of depth and weight" actually sounds like.
Ready to ask yourself whether you’re just going to meetings, or really doing the work?
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