My personal video can be viewed here: Bernie’s video

My name is Bernard and I’m an alcoholic and addict. I am a currently employed by the Department of Water and Power and have over 37 years of City service. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles, attended public schools and by the age of 15; I was an alcoholic and addict. I began my employment with the City of Los Angeles while attending John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles. After graduating from high school in 1979, I attended the University of Southern California while employed for the City. After completing my junior year, I dropped out of college because my education was interfering with my drinking and substance abuse. Although I barely managed to retain employment, I would eventually lose my family, my home and my self-respect.

Fortunately, another co-worker shared his story with me about his sobriety. He shared his life experience and new way of life and I was impressed with his journey. I had no idea of the impact a sponsor would have on my life. In fact, he was my sponsor before I knew what the purpose of a sponsor was and even today he is still my sponsor. By the age of 25, I was sober and an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). My children were back in my life, I owned a home, and my job had become a career.

I would stay sober for another 17 years; however, the last three years, I was a dry drunk. I was not committed to my sobriety. By age 42, I was drunk again, an alcoholic. I still had my marriage, family, friends, and a career.

Around AA, we say you reach your bottom when you quit digging. Unfortunately, I would stay out there drinking alcohol and abusing drugs for another 8 years before returning to AA at the age of 50. This time, I didn’t return to save my family, my job, or my home; I came back to save my life. I had reached my bottom. Relapse is part of my recovery and part of my journey. I’m not ashamed nor do I have any regrets. I am thankful for the company’s Employee Assistance Program that helped me through my initial transition into sobriety. When I first heard about the Peer Volunteer Program, I was attending an Executive Leadership Team Meeting. The program was intriguing. I thought what a great way to give back, what was so freely given to me – a new way life.

Bernie Rogers