I Spent Seven Years in AA Without the Program - AA Speaker - Chris R.
I Spent Seven Years in AA Without the Program - AA Speaker - Chris R.  
Podcast: Sober Sunrise - AA Speaker Podcast
Published On: Tue Aug 18 2026
Description: After seven years in and out of AA, Chris learns that attending meetings is not the same as working the Big Book, taking the Steps, and serving other alcoholics. ☀️ Sober Sunrise App Listen to Sober Sunrise AA speaker talks anytime, track your sober time, take a daily pledge, and keep recovery support close throughout the day. 📱 https://sober-sunrise.com/app If you enjoy the app or find it useful in your recovery, a quick rating or review on the App Store would mean a lot and helps more people find Sober Sunrise. ☀️ Sober Sunrise Episode Archive Hundreds of AA speaker tapes and recovery stories: https://sober-sunrise.com/episodes 🧡 Sober Sunrise Merch https://sober-sunrise.com/merch 🌴 Sober Sunrise Newsletter https://sober-sunrise.com/newsletter Chris delivers a passionate and often hilarious Big Book-centered AA speaker talk about the difference between attending Alcoholics Anonymous and actively participating in its program of recovery. For seven years, he moves in and out of meetings without owning a Big Book, finding a sponsor, working the Steps, or accepting a service commitment. As his alcoholism progresses into isolation, financial chaos, depression, and a life-threatening crisis, Chris hears a voice telling him to return to AA. At a meeting filled with people carrying Big Books, members share the miracles produced by recovery instead of trying to frighten him with more war stories. They ask whether he is truly finished, guide him rapidly into the Steps, and immediately give him ways to contribute. Two weeks later, sitting on the tailgate of his truck beneath a full moon, Chris realizes that the obsession to drink and use has been removed. His message challenges members to offer newcomers a vision, carry the solution clearly, participate in service, and help other alcoholics find the spiritual experience promised in the Big Book. Chris R. from Ingram, TX speaking at the Sacramento Spring Fling in Sacramento, CA - February 24th 2006 Music: Deep by KaizanBlu