Dave F. — From Secrets to Healing | Together We Can, 1994

Speaker: Dave F.

From: MinnesotaDate: 1994Event: Together We CanAA Member: YesGender: MaleSobriety at Recording: 10 yearsExplicit: YesPrimary Topic: Recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction while healing from trauma and abuseThemes: Alcoholism, drug addiction, childhood trauma, domestic abuse, suicide attempt, military service, gay identity, relationships, nursing, treatment, AA recovery, internalized homophobia, therapy, healing, self-worth, and moving from victim to survivor.

Dave F. — From Secrets to Healing | Together We Can, 1994

In this deeply personal recording from the 1994 Together We Can conference, Dave F. of Minnesota shares ten years of recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction and reflects on the long process of healing from trauma, shame, and isolation.

Dave describes growing up in Iowa and experiencing serious trauma during childhood and later in adult relationships. Alcohol and drugs became a way to numb painful emotions and escape experiences he did not know how to process.

His story follows him through California, Oregon, military service, relationships, nursing school, and years of increasingly destructive drinking and drug use. Despite periods of professional success, addiction continued to affect his relationships, health, judgment, and ability to live honestly.

A major turning point came in 1983, when a severe blackout and medical emergency led to hospitalization and treatment. Dave entered a professional monitoring program that allowed him to continue working as a nurse while beginning a life in recovery.

Sobriety stopped the alcohol and drugs, but Dave gradually discovered that recovery required more than abstinence. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, therapy, his work at Pride Institute, and support from other gay men in recovery, he began confronting the fear, shame, and painful memories he had carried for years.

Dave speaks about learning to accept himself as a gay man, allowing himself to experience emotions rather than numb them, and understanding that healing can continue many years into sobriety.

His message is ultimately one of identity, recovery, and hope. By the time of this recording, Dave no longer describes himself as a victim. He identifies as a survivor, a recovering alcoholic and addict, and most imp

Dave F. — From Secrets to Healing | Together We Can, 1994

Dave F. — From Secrets to Healing | Together We Can, 1994

Dave F. — From Secrets to Healing | Together We Can, 1994

Listen