Suze

Suze

In this episode of 'I'm Sober Today,' we have the pleasure of listening to Suze, a long-time member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from Sydney, Australia. Suze has been clean and sober since the early 1990s, and she generously shares her experiences and insights on maintaining sobriety over the years. Suze begins by reflecting on her early days in AA, highlighting the differences she noticed between meetings in Sydney and those she attended internationally.

She describes the vibrancy of Sydney's AA community in the 90s, where speaker meetings would attract over a hundred attendees, creating a supportive and engaging environment. Over the years, however, the dynamics of these meetings have changed, with smaller gatherings becoming more common. A significant portion of Suze's story revolves around the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about how AA meetings transitioned to online platforms like Zoom, and the adjustments that came with this shift.

For Suze, and many others in the community, this transition was crucial to maintaining their sobriety. Despite the difficulties, such as technological issues and the lack of in-person interaction, Suze adapted and found ways to continue her journey. She also touches on the emotional impact of seeing long-time sober friends relapse during the pandemic. This experience reinforced the importance of staying connected and supporting each other through challenging times.

Suze's story is not just about her personal journey but also about the strength of the AA community and the shared commitment to sobriety. In closing, Suze emphasizes the significance of AA as a supportive network, akin to a family or hospital, where members can find solace and understanding. Her story serves as an inspiration to those seeking to maintain their sobriety and adapt to life's ever-changing circumstances.