Aileen C. - Sober 12 Years

Aileen's story will strike a responsive chord for many AA members: Tough upbringing punctuated with violence and abuse; early use of drugs and/or alcohol just to survive home life; difficult and dangerous relationships in adulthood mired by alcoholism of one or both parties; self-loathing and despair; and ideations of suicide. Like many, Aileen’s story looked hopeless. In the end, it took in-patient mental health treatment, private therapy, and the guidance of a good mentor to lead Aileen into AA and other 12-step recovery. Even then, she slipped after being sober 15 months, but thankfully made it back in just a...