RE 119: The 13th Step

Today we have Kari, with 4 years since her last drink. Today's Sponsor: Café RE Use the promo code CONNECT for one free month in the alcohol-free community Café RE. Paul reviews the video "The 13th Step." The 13th step (where new comers are "preyed" upon by others in AA) is joked about in and out of the rooms. The fact is that courts are ordering violent sexual predators to AA for a plea deal. AA should not be a punishment but 40-60% of its attendees are court ordered. This movie depicts AA in a negative light. Sure, there are flaws with AA. Every program has negative aspects and positive aspects. I personally dislike movies that bash any recovery program. SHOW NOTES [ 8:39 ] Paul Introduces Kari Kari – I am 4 years sober and live in Montana. I am married and enjoy skiing, hiking, biking and running. [11:42] What were your drinking habits like? Kari – I drank through high school but it really ramped up after college. I was a binge and social drinker but would drink until I blacked out. I would often try and regulate my drinking and could do this for a little while. I would track my drinks on a calendar but was miserable when I tried to moderate. [22:00] Did you have a bottom? Kari – After my college boyfriend committed suicide, I just didn't care to keep my drinking in check. Another bottom was when I locked myself out of my truck after a concert. My husband had to come and get me. He was very angry and I came to the realization that my life and marriage would not continue if I was still drinking. [29:17] How did you get sober? Kari – I reached out to some friends who were in AA and attended my first meeting. I immediately knew that I belonged. I saw hope in these meetings and a light at the end of the tunnel. [36:00] Describe what your day is like. Kari – Every morning I do some type of reading about recovery (Today's a Gift, Each Day a New Beginning). I enjoy the beauty around me and it helps keep me grounded. I say thank you every night. [39:30] Paul and Kari discuss her recent sailing trip Kari – Both my husband and I were nervous that we wouldn't have fun. We still enjoyed our fruit drinks without alcohol and kept up our tradition of drinking during the sunsets. I was able to remember the entire sailing trip. [42:40] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? when I was in college and went up to the rooftop thinking it would be a good idea to jump Did you ever have an "oh-shit" moment? when I realized I couldn't control my drinking What's your plan moving forward? sharing my story as often as possible What's your favorite resource in recovery? AA What's the best advice you've ever received (on sobriety)? there is nothing that says that you have to figure this all out on your own What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? no matter how bad you feel, you can turn your life around You might be an alcoholic if….you order 2 drinks and slide the first one to the side because it's the first one that gets you Resources: Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Tracker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to [email protected] "We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"