Preston D. – Sober Since September 2014 (Encore of Episode 47)

Alcoholic, drug addict, and crazy are three of the self-proclaimed monikers Preston D. wore as a teenager. I first met him when he got sober seven years ago. Since then, we’ve attended many of the same men’s meetings, both in person and on Zoom. Though he moved from Houston to New York City to expand his career as successful artist two years ago, we’ve stayed connected through on-line meetings and during his visits back home. As one of my younger guests, Preston has spent his 20’s in recovery after a turbulent childhood marred by suicidal ideations and teenage years riddled with alcohol and drug addiction. The marijuana, booze, opioids, and cocaine coalesced into a fast-lane lifestyle and early entrepreneurial success with clothing and sneaker design. But his addictions soon torpedoed his achievements and ultimately took him down in a very short time. By age 19, Preston’s rapid descent to the bottom was arrested by an intervention orchestrated by his long-time therapist. That lead him to IOP treatment for his many addictions punctuated by fits and starts, and lots of doubts about sobriety. When he finally got to AA in 2014, he was totally beaten by alcohol and drugs, and ready to admit of defeat. He started attending meetings and got a sponsor to help him thoroughly work the steps. As AA became a more regular part of his life, it allowed Preston to pursue his dreams of being a working artist and lead to his move to New York. Tragically, over the past year, serious health issues punctuated by debilitating and chronic pain have pushed him to the limits of sanity and sobriety. Thankfully, the lifelines he tied to the higher-powered center of his AA program have allowed him to hang on without slipping. Today, Preston’s recuperation from chronic pain has been eased by his steady involvement in AA, including service work, sponsorship, and prayer. With a lot to look forward to, he continually demonstrates how a solid commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous can enrich the quality of life. At an age when many of us alcoholics were still deep  in our cups, Preston’s experience in AA is a fine example of what is possible for other young people who are struggling with getting and staying sober. It’s an awesome and inspiring story, and one which I think you’ll enjoy listening to. So here he is from Brooklyn, New York, my fine friend and AA Brother, Preston D. [This is an encore of Episode 46, originally released October 6, 2021]. 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 testimonials 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 and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio. I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon. [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.]