He couldn’t control his drinking, but when he wasn’t his life became intolerable.

In this week’s episode of The Cup of Joe Show, we sit down with John C., a man whose journey from early exposure to addiction recovery to over a decade of sobriety is both honest and beautifully redemptive.

John first got high in 10th grade—and just as quickly found himself in rehab. It was there he met Alcoholics Anonymous and a group of people who, to his surprise, were kind, welcoming, and familiar. But addiction doesn’t let go so easily. By 16, John had crafted a lifestyle around partying, and by 21, he was making cross-country attempts to sober up—from New Orleans to Maui—always believing he could outthink or outpace the disease.

He cycled through stints in AA, convinced he was “fine,” even as his emotional and mental state unraveled. Everything changed the day he suffered multiple devastating losses and realized no amount of liquor could numb the pain.

Still clinging to old childhood beliefs and fears, John nearly talked himself out of real recovery—thinking the rooms of AA were there to fix his marriage instead of his spirit. But it was in Atlanta, at the Fifth Tradition meeting, that he found something deeper: belonging, clarity, and the willingness to follow suggestions.

John’s story is a powerful example of what happens when you finally let go of old ideas and commit to doing the work.

🎙️ Recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation, connection, and the courage to stay stopped.

For information on the 5th Tradition Group in Atlanta, GA visit http://5thtraditiongroup.com/

🌟 Looking for daily encouragement and inspiration? Visit our friends at Daily Ponderables — your source for strength, hope, and reflection 365 days a year.

The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.