Alex's Story

My names Alex and I'm an Alcoholic, I was born in Dundee Scotland where I lived until 14 years of age.

I had started to drink regular at around 13 at 14 I left home and worked with relatives on large construction projects where drinking was part of the course. At 16 I joined the mercantile marine where drinking heavily was part of the norm at 29 I returned to the construction business and heavy drinking I had quite a high tolerance for alcohol but drank as often as the opportunity presented. Blackouts were normal, but to other people I was still resident between my ears.

During this period I had been married and divorced and had fathered a lot of children. I met a girl who had a little bit of stabilising effect on me although we both liked the drinking scene. During this period I improved my education (self taught) and was promoted to quite senior positions at my job with American Const. Companies. I married the girl and we travelled extensively abroad, drinking was a strong part of the scene. This continued for quite a long time, but by then the need for morning drink was there,heaves, sweats, and time loss from work became part of life eventually I was fired for going missing on the booze.

I then just wanted to be in a dark room with a bottle 24 hours. This continued for quite some time untill a beaten man I found AA .

The group where I found recovery, a year sober was an old timer .I didn't put down the bottle immediately my recovery was a little bit slow but once the obsession had left me after about 6 months, it has been steady.

I was to be re-hired by the company who had HAD to fire me and restored to my previous position. I have met children whom I did not know and have formed loving relationships with (Amends ?) I am now retired and able to help quite a bit with other Alcoholics this is something from which I derive a lot of pleasure.

I owe my life to this fellowship and for that I am eternally grateful I am a member of a group in Sotland where I do service as group Secy. I am also one of the keyholders of the venue. I have 12 years sobriety last August (1996). I abide by the Traditions of AA and of Trad. three which states The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking