BRIAN's Powerful Alcoholic Redemption Story - From Robbery to Recovery in AA (MUST-WATCH)

This powerful testimony from Brian, an alcoholic, is a raw and honest account of his journey through addiction, incarceration, and ultimately, redemption through the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Brian's story begins with him acknowledging his alcoholism and the echoing effect of sharing his story. He reflects on how, when he was new to AA, he had a tendency to compare his story to others, thinking he wasn't "really" an alcoholic. But he came to realize that his alcoholism was not about the drama of his life, but rather his inability to control his drinking.
Brian traces his alcoholism back to his teenage years, when he was already drinking heavily and blacking out. He shares how he had a year and two weeks of sobriety in AA, but then fell off the wagon and drank for three months straight, contemplating suicide. It was then that two friends, one of whom he calls "Max," intervened and essentially saved his life by confronting him and challenging his denial.
From there, Brian recounts his downward spiral - the criminal activities, the stints in prison, the loss of his family's support. He talks about how he believed the lie that he just had a "drinking problem" that could be solved by not drinking, rather than recognizing that he had the disease of alcoholism. This led him to go "crazy" in AA, not living a spiritual life, and ultimately relapsing.
The turning point came when Brian was facing parole violation and the prospect of going back to prison. This time, his parole officer gave him an ultimatum - go to AA every day or go back to jail. Reluctantly, Brian agreed, and it was through working the 12 steps with a sponsor that he finally found the spiritual solution he was lacking.
Brian openly shares the deep resentments and trauma he had to face and resolve through his inventory and amends process - from the family member who molested him as a child, to the difficult relationship with his mother who had to disown him. He speaks movingly about the healing that came from finally honoring his deceased brother and gaining a deeper understanding of his parents' pain.
Most poignantly, Brian talks about how becoming a father himself, with the unconditional love he now experiences, helped him truly appreciate the damage his addiction had done to his own parents. This fuels his determination to pass on a different legacy to his own children.
Throughout his story, Brian emphasizes the critical role that the fellowship of AA and the 12-step program played in his recovery. He acknowledges his initial resistance and skepticism, but credits the patience, love, and guidance of his sponsor and other AA members for helping him find the spiritual solution he so desperately needed.
Brian's raw honesty, humility, and hard-won wisdom make this a truly inspiring and impactful testimony. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even from the depths of addiction and despair. This is a must-watch for anyone seeking hope and insight into the transformative power of the 12 steps.
Brian P. from Union, ME speaking at the By the Bay Speakers group in Portland, ME - April 14th 2006