Gerry R. – Sober Since January 1990 (Encore Episode)

Gerry R. – Sober Since January 1990 (Encore Episode)

From AA Recovery Interviews with Howard L. by Howard L.

February 18, 2026 · 1h 6m

About this episode

Gerry R. shares his journey from addiction to sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Gerry’s road to utter ruin began with pot, pills, and intravenous drug use at 15. Living as a heroin addict for the next ten years, his sordid lifestyle supported his addiction until he was able to stop heroin through methadone treatment for the next ten years. With his life spiraling out of control after two decades as a dope addict, Gerry was finally able to get off the drugs thanks to vodka. Unfortunately, drinking upwards of two quarts of vodka, while still smoking marijuana and snorting cocaine, soon confirmed how out-of-control his alcoholic life had become. By the time Gerry found AA in early 1990, he entered the local AA club a broken and desperate man. Fortunately, the members of that club gathered him in and showed him through tough love the work he would need to do in the Program to stay sober. With little faith that Alcoholics Anonymous would work, Gerry did what was asked, including attending the men’s meeting in which I first met him. Frankly, it took me a while to get used to this guy with the gravely voice and thick New York accent, but, eventually, his story melted my heart and we became very close friends. He’s stayed sober the…

People in this episode

Host: Howard L.

Guest: Gerry R.

Topics covered

  • addiction
  • recovery
  • sobriety
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • personal story

Keywords

  • addiction
  • sobriety
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • recovery
  • personal story
  • methadone treatment
  • vodka

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Alcoholics Anonymous

Places: Brooklyn, New York

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