Recovered alcoholic Archives

Gregory Pardlo on Growing Through Alcoholism

June 27th, 2022

Grow Through It: Substance Abuse

Gregory Pardlo, poet and author of Air Traffic: A Memoir of Ambition and Manhood in America, describes his family history of alcoholism and believing that he was above it, which wasn’t true. It wasn’t until his early 40s that he hit bottom and started going to 12-step program meetings. When he could finally say his truth out loud in front of others: “I am an alcoholic,” it was both liberating and empowering. After hearing many stories in meeting rooms over the years, he knows that his story is not unique and believes there are always grounds for forgiveness. He encourages anyone with an alcohol problem to ask for help, as people are eager to give help. In fact, their own sobriety depends on their ability to invest in others.

Jim Brown, Recovered Alcoholic, on Growing Through Addiction

Grow Through It: Substance Abuse and Opioid Crisis

Jim Brown describes his journey from narcotics addiction to alcoholism to recovery. Over the years, he experimented with therapy, medication, hypnosis, and even a 12-step program to stop drinking. After he took his last drink, he stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated back to life and put on a ventilator for several days. After bottoming out, he committed to a 12-step fellowship program. He says sobriety is hard work and he credits his daily work with his recovery program, his “Team Jim” that supports him every step of the way, and his relationship with a higher power.