Hi, I’m David, and I’m an alcoholic.
I also live with anxiety and depression. Before AA, I used alcohol to manage it. And it worked—until it didn’t.
When I got sober, all that emotional pain came roaring back. I thought, How can I stay sober when I feel this broken inside? But I kept going to meetings. I got a sponsor. I did the Steps. And I talked openly about what I was feeling.
AA didn’t cure my mental health challenges—but it gave me the tools and the courage to face them sober. I learned I could have both problems—and still recover.
Today, I have a therapist, a Higher Power, and a program. And I stay honest about where I’m at.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, you’re not alone. There’s no shame in getting support—inside and outside the rooms.
Sobriety doesn’t mean perfection. It means progress. And it starts with honesty.
Thanks for letting me share.
Would you consider writing a “3-Minute AA Talk” for us? Our community would love to hear from you. Submit your 3-minute AA talk ideas to centraloffice@santafeaa.org and we’ll include it in a future posting.