Hey friend — this episode feels like sitting across from someone who tells you everything, no filter. Tricia, an alcoholic with a sobriety date of January 1, 2011, shares the messy, heartbreaking, and fiercely hopeful story of how she went from a childhood of shame and an Irish-family culture of drinking to finding real freedom in AA. She talks openly about the first sip at a festival, the feeling of being "born alcoholic," and the two-part beast of the allergy to alcohol plus the relentless mental obsession that kept pulling her back. There are raw moments here — psych ward stays, relapses, a marriage with someone actively using — and also the small, powerful turns that led her back. What struck me (and will probably hit you too) is how the steps, a sponsor, and showing up to meetings slowly rewired her life. She describes writing out the fourth step, making amends, learning practical adulthood (hello, bank accounts and bills), and discovering a version of God that actually works for her. The promises of the program — especially the one about using your experience to help others — become her currency of healing. Tricia doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle: she’s all-or-nothing by nature, battles control and people-pleasing, and still has days that are "lifey." But she also testifies, with humor and tears, that the freedom the program offers is real: it kept her alive, taught her how to be human, and gave her a life worth showing up for. There are warm, funny flashes too — the irony of hating the happy faces in meetings, the ridiculousness of her early assumptions, and the joy of finding a loving partner in AA who actually has a program. Most of all, you’ll hear the way pain gets turned into connection: telling your story helps someone else say "me too," and that’s gold. So if you want an honest, intimate listen — full of grit, laughter, humility, and the real work of recovery — stick around. Tricia’s story is proof that even when life gets lifey, there’s a path forward. If this resonates, come say hi to the group she loves (AA Solution Seekers meets daily at 7 a.m.), and if you’re enjoying the show, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or supporting the podcast.     A Shot Glass of Recovery Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟 paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety. You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at ashotglassofrecovery@gmail.com and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.