About Me

I was always a lucky guy, at least I thought so: private school, name university, married the dream girl, had the perfect kids, big job, big house, big paycheck -- and big problem. I was an alcoholic and I was losing control of everything at once.

My book "Undrunk: A Skeptic's Guide to AA" (Hazelden 2009)is the story of how a life in freefall was rescued by the venerable 75-year old program of Alcoholics Anonymous. I came to AA as a last resort looking only for a way to quit drinking and get my life back. Imagine my surprise when they told me I would have to quit drinking first and then we could think about straightening out my life! Didn't seem fair. But, I was out of air speed and good ideas, so I grudgingly gave it a try. I was as surprised as everyone else in my life when I found sobriety, health, and a new life that was better than anything I could have imagined as a drinker.

I don't sugarcoat my story and I think big chunks of what happened to me are pretty funny (now that I am sober). I try to tell you the reader how recovery happened for me and what it felt like during that first year. My life story is a cautionary tale, for sure, but redemption and renewal are what I live by today. If you or someone you know could use a dose of that, you will like "Undrunk."

Best, A.J. Adams (pen name)

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