Sober Cast: An (unofficial) Alcoholics Anonymous Podcast AA ESH: Don L.
Nov 4, 2025
Don L., a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 19 years of sobriety, shares his heartfelt journey at a beef dinner for the Mystic Knights of Sobriety. He contrasts the misconceptions of having a drinking problem with the reality of alcoholism. Don discusses the importance of sponsorship, step work, and daily prayers, explaining how self-knowledge transformed his recovery. Through anecdotes, he reflects on the dangers of rationalization and highlights the communal spirit of AA as a place of love and service, urging members to discover and share their unique gifts.
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Thankful Arrival And Local Roots
- Don describes arriving, being grateful for hospitality, and joking about the beef served at the event.
- He locates himself in Bellingham and contrasts it with Seattle and Los Angeles to set personal context.
Alcohol Was A False Treatment
- Don realized his problem wasn't merely drinking but alcoholism that worsened when he stopped drinking.
- He explains alcohol served as a treatment for inner turmoil, not just a cause of problems.
Quitting Alone Led To Crisis
- Don recounts quitting sober briefly and going 'stark raving mad' because he hadn't addressed underlying alcoholism.
- He felt confused, wanted to harm himself or others, and couldn't live on willpower alone.
