AA Podcast
AA Podcast
ESH: Harriet R - Drunk in Algiers in 1942
ESH: Harriet R - Drunk in Algiers in 1942
ESH: Harriet R - Drunk in Algiers in 1942
Tuesday 30th September 2025
Join Harriet R as she shares her journey from North Africa in 1942 to finding hope and community in Alcoholics Anonymous.
50 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Authentic
Hopeful
Healing
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Categories:
Recovery with AA
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Harriet R's Journey from Algiers to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- The transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous and its community.
- The impact of early childhood experiences on addiction.
- The importance of recognizing one's own alcoholism.
- The value of shared experiences and support in recovery.
- Sobriety is about more than just abstaining; it's about personal growth.
"AA is a lot like sex, if you're not enjoying it, you're not doing it right."
Witness the remarkable journey of Harriet R, a Navy woman who shares her story of overcoming alcoholism, starting with her deployment to North Africa in 1942. As an only child growing up in Pennsylvania, Harriet describes her early encounters with alcohol and how it transformed her sense of self from a young age.
She recounts the pivotal moment when a sip of alcohol at a family gathering made her feel grown-up and sophisticated, a feeling she chased for years to come. Harriet's narrative is filled with rich anecdotes from her life, including her time in the Navy and the challenges she faced while battling alcoholism. Her story takes listeners from her privileged childhood to the struggles of maintaining a facade while dealing with addiction during World War II.
Despite her outward appearance of success, Harriet candidly shares the internal battles and moments of clarity that led her to seek help from Alcoholics Anonymous in 1956. Through her journey, Harriet highlights the importance of community and support systems in recovery. She speaks warmly of the role models and fellow AA members who helped her stay sober and find a new path in life.
Her story is not just about overcoming addiction, but also about finding a sense of belonging and purpose through the fellowship of AA. Harriet's experiences serve as a reminder that recovery is possible with the right support system and a willingness to change. Her story is both inspiring and a testament to the power of shared experiences in overcoming addiction. What can we learn from those who have faced their demons and found a way forward?
Perhaps it's that recovery is not just about abstaining from alcohol, but about growing into a fulfilling and connected life.