- Alcohol
- Faith
Johnny grew up in an alcoholic family in rural Alabama. Having a father who suffered, he was in constant contact with verbal and physical abuse. When he was hanging out with his father at the bars, he began to sip on any of the alcohol that was provided. Johnny began sipping at the tender age of 8, which began his realization that drinking brought out a different side to him. The effect produced in Johnny was that of liberation from his shy introverted self, and he began to see that not only was he more outgoing under the effects of alcohol but he also was liked more by his peers.
By the age of 16, Johnny had a pretty steady drinking habit. Having a job at a local convenience store, he could easily steal alcohol from the store and have it on hand for social gatherings. They would often tie the stolen brews to a string and let them float in a nearby lake to keep them cold for such gatherings. Nicknames like “Six Pack” and “Budman” were readily provided for him, which he enjoyed greatly.
Things began to take a turn when Johnny began to get into trouble with the law. DUI after DUI were added to his accomplishments, and he eventually lost his driver’s license at the age of 25. His mood also began to change during his drinking, from that of a social partier to an angry fighter. He would often pick fights with his friends while under the influence, yet he had no reason for it at the time.
Johnny decided to make a change in his life and moved to Hawaii, believing that distancing himself from the problem would make it go away. He hoped that, in moving, he would be able to learn how to drink “normally.” This proved not to be the case. He didn’t understand why other people could drink a couple of drinks and go home, while he was left at the bar drinking to black out. The DUI’s began to add up for Johnny in Hawaii too. Then he was placed in jail. This still did not stop his behavior. Many times he wouldn’t know how he got home and he often found his Harley laid down on the driveway.
After being released from a jail sentence, he was ordered to attend 12-step meetings. He was in a state of denial and didn’t believe that his problems were as bad as the other people in the meetings. He still held a job, he still paid his bills and he still had a home. His bottom was not like those whom he found in the meeting rooms. This attitude continued for a spree that lasted 10 years.
He found himself in a relationship with another alcoholic. They partied together hard. Eventually they had both decided that they were getting tired of the life and entered into meeting rooms together. They had tried switching up brews (from scotch to brandy and beer to wine) but nothing worked. While taking on a sponsor and beginning to work the steps, Johnny admits that he entered with reluctance. He failed to ever find the peace and serenity that he saw others enjoyed in those rooms. He cleaned up for 10 months before relapsing.
Johnny was drinking again for three months before he decided enough was enough. He decided this time he was doing it for himself and went back into the meetings wholeheartedly. He began to work the steps and turned everything over to his Higher Power. He understood that he was here for a reason, as his life had been plagued with graceful interventions to keep him safe. He believes he has a guardian angel.
At this point in time, Johnny found himself free from the obsession, but discovered a new dilemma: what to do with his time? He saw that he really didn’t know himself or know what he liked to do. His sponsor suggested that he begin to have experiences to figure this out. With the voice of his father resonating in his head, Johnny had difficulty believing that he could do anything after his father had told him time and time again that he wouldn’t amount to anything. He stuck around the meeting rooms and saw that if the people there could do it, he could do it too. Empowered, Johnny took a look at his life and saw what he desired.
He had a passion for riding Harleys and had been told by a number of people that he should go into the repair business. Having never graduated from high school, it would mean that he would have to get his GED in order to attend the mechanical school. So that is what he did. He started night school and received his GED. He then traveled back to the mainland and road cross-country to Florida to attend a school to earn his certification as a Harley mechanic. During his time there, he got a home group, served as a meeting secretary and took on sponsees. A year and a half later, Johnny received his certification, road cross-country again and went back to Hawaii. He set up his own business as a motorcycle mechanic and is doing very well on the island of Oahu.
In reflecting on his accomplishments, Johnny said, “Before, I had no choices. Today I do. I have faith and God is my Higher Power today. I was shy at first but when I volunteered at the meetings, people got to know me. I love to barbeque, so I would always offer to cook. I am one of the chosen ones today. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I wouldn’t risk what I got today to find out what would happen if I drink. When I speak to newcomers, I am surprised at some of the things I say. I believe it’s my Higher Power speaking through me.”
When asked to leave a parting note for family members suffering with those afflicted, Johnny suggested that they too enter into a 12-step program to understand their loved one and how he or she is suffering. Johnny’s sobriety date is April 21, 2008. He will soon celebrate 5 years.