AAM Member David Spring is AAM’s first Addiction and Recovery Liaison, an ex officio member of the Professional Concerns and Development Committee and a resource for members who are seeking more information about addiction and recovery.

David writes:

One of the greatest joys of my life has been recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. I was, at one time, leading a double life: a church organist/choir director leading beautiful sung prayer, while, at the same time, stuck in a compulsive trajectory of drinking/using behavior (even when I wanted to stop) and deceit trying to hide the ‘real me’ from all the ‘holy’ people. I was barely employable due to decreased performance, unpredictable behavior and unreliability. The “incomprehensible demoralization” was paralyzing. The toll on my physical and mental health — and on others—was devastating.

Fortunately, friends and family teamed up with my pastor/boss to intervene, send me to rehab, and provide support and structure for the long term journey that has lasted for 30+ years. In this time, I have been active in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and found tremendous joy observing others discover a new life of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. I know there are other kinds of support systems that can help people recover, but I have to admit some bias in the spiritual principles of twelve-step programs that provide encouragement and skills to live life with joy, peace, and serenity.

If you are like me, once upon a time, a church musician worried about what people would think, who is “sick and tired of feeling sick and tired,” and wants to explore some solutions, please reach out. If you call, perhaps a quick text first is helpful, since I tend to screen unknown numbers (you know, telemarketers). I am happy to be a listening ear and perhaps connect you to others near you for support.

I would love to meet you and perhaps find some meetings together at upcoming Conferences!

The AA responsibility statement
I am responsible, when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there, and for that I am responsible.