The following was written by Brian, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format.
Sobriety Date: February 24, 2024
Alcoholic, Name is Brian and I am a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through this fellowship, I’ve discovered not only freedom from alcohol but also a spiritual design for living that has transformed every area of my life. When I came to AA, I was broken — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I had lost touch with my family, my integrity, and any sense of purpose. I came seeking relief from drinking, but what I found was a way to live with meaning, connection, and peace.
In the beginning, the idea of a “spiritual program” intimidated me. I wasn’t sure what it meant to live by spiritual principles, and I certainly didn’t think they applied to me. But as I listened in meetings and worked with my sponsor, I began to see that these principles — honesty, willingness, humility, and service — were not abstract ideas. They were practical tools for daily living. Slowly, through the Twelve Steps, I learned to clean up my past, take responsibility for my actions, and open myself to a Power greater than myself.
The Fellowship That Became Family
One of the greatest gifts of this program has been the fellowship — the network of people who understand me in a way no one else ever could. In that circle of honesty and hope, I learned how to show up, listen, and trust again. The people of AA became my teachers, my family, and my mirror. Through their stories, I found courage. Through their faith, I found my own. The network keeps me grounded and accountable; it reminds me that recovery is not a solo act, but a shared journey of spiritual growth.
Sponsorship has been another cornerstone of my recovery. My sponsor guided me through the Steps with patience and compassion, helping me see patterns I couldn’t see on my own. In time, I began sponsoring others — an experience that deepened my understanding of service and humility. Working with sponsees reminds me daily that recovery is a gift that grows when it’s given away. I don’t keep my sobriety by holding on to it; I keep it by sharing it.
Living Recovery at Home
The program’s design for living doesn’t stop at the meeting room door. It extends into every area of my life — especially my home. Being a father and husband in recovery has been both humbling and rewarding. I’ve learned that love is an action, not just a feeling. My family deserves my presence, not just my apologies. The Steps have taught me how to make amends not only once, but through consistent behavior — by showing up, listening, and putting others’ needs before my own. Today, my family knows they can count on me, and that’s a miracle in itself.
Service, too, has become a guiding principle. Whether it’s chairing a meeting, helping a newcomer, or being available to a friend in need, service keeps me connected to gratitude. It takes me out of self-centeredness and reminds me that my purpose today is to contribute, not control. When I live by service, my problems shrink, and my spirit grows.
A Life Beyond Imagination
Through Alcoholics Anonymous, I have been given a life beyond anything I imagined. Sobriety has given me more than freedom from alcohol — it has given me freedom from the bondage of self. Today, I try to live by the same principles that saved me: honesty, humility, and love in action. This program is not just about not drinking; it’s about learning to live — one day at a time — with grace, purpose, and a heart open to serve.
Start Your Own Journey to Freedom
Brian’s story shows that recovery offers more than just sobriety; it offers a complete transformation of how you live, connect, and show up for the people who matter most.
If you’re struggling with alcoholism or addiction and are ready to discover your own path to freedom, Riverside Recovery is here to help you take that first step.
Contact Riverside Recovery today to learn how our programs can help you build a life filled with meaning, connection, and peace.