Matt M. – Sober Since 2016 (Replay of Episode 19)

[This is a replay of Episode 19, originally released March 29, 2021] Would a court-mandated breathalyzer and the fear of going to prison be enough to keep Matt dry? Or should he embrace AA’s spiritually-anchored Program of sobriety based upon proven steps of action, fellowship, and service? My guest today, Matt M., faced that choice. His life today reflects the decision he made. As my first Millennial guest, Matt has 5 years of sobriety and, at age 31, he demonstrates AA’s effectiveness at reaching across the generations of alcoholics to provide answers and the hope of a better future. I met Matt when he first got sober. He attended our men’s meeting on a weekly basis, but after a while, I stopped seeing him. Curious as to where he was, I learned from some men who knew him that, although he was still sober, he hadn’t been attending meetings regularly as he had in the beginning. When I next saw him, I asked him about that hiatus and he told me of the distractions to his Program. You know, jobs, relationships, and the other things that take people out every day. Fortunately, he recommitted to AA, redoubled his work in the program, and ultimately picked up a sponsee. Most importantly, he didn’t drink. As you listen to this episode of AA Recovery Interviews, take note of the progressive nature of Matt’s disease and the choices he faced along the way. Should he use the court-mandated daily breathalyzer and the fear of going to prison as the reason to stay dry? Or should he embrace spiritually-oriented sobriety based upon a proven program of action and fellowship? Matt’s experience speaks to both, but the way he lives his life today demonstrates his commitment to his AA program over any easier, softer solution. I invite you to share the next hour AA Recovery Interviews with any boomer, millennial, or any Gen X, Y, or Z alcoholic you know. I believe Matt’s perspective offers good orderly direction and a lot to be grateful for. So, I welcome my AA brother, Matt M., to AA Recovery Interviews. Check out Howard’s Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testamonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book if you’d like to read along with the audio. [Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs and no one receives financial gain from the show. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. -Howard L.]