187: Tony - It Made Me Feel Fearless

Tony Alexander on HIV, Meth Addiction, and Finding Recovery | Rock Bottom with RyanTony Alexander shares his story from growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, realizing he was gay early, and facing religious stigma, to beginning alcohol use at 12 and later using weed. After moving to Dallas to teach elementary school, stress and dissatisfaction fueled heavier substance use. In 2002 he was diagnosed with HIV, and medication side effects increased his daily marijuana use. He later lost his teaching job after testing positive for weed and moved through Austin and Atlanta, where grief after his best friend’s death contributed to trying multiple drugs and eventually crystal meth. Meth use escalated quickly into paranoia, job loss, selling and trading sex for drugs, and failed attempts at IOP and rehab. In 2018 he entered Honor Bound, committed to recovery, joined Oxford House Pride, works multiple programs and meetings, and credits sponsorship, step work, and community for long-term sobriety.00:00 Gay Bashing And Diagnosis01:19 Show Intro And Sponsor02:26 Meet Tony And Sober Date04:02 Childhood And Family06:34 Growing Up Gay In Church09:00 Coming Out To Mom15:19 First Drinks And Early Use19:32 College Party Years21:05 Bar Assault Story24:27 Teaching Stress And Weekend Escape00:34 HIV Diagnosis And Weed Use30:27 Teaching Fallout And Meth Begins33:59 First Meth Encounters34:50 Texas Return And Real High35:58 Hooked Fast At Work36:30 Hustling For The Drug38:09 Paranoia And Family Call40:12 Early Treatment And Relapse41:53 Ready For Rehab Again44:51 Facing Trauma And HIV48:22 Dream Spiritual Awakening52:27 Oxford House New Life56:36 Meetings Sponsorship Routine59:16 Dating And Relationship Work01:02:39 Advice Quotes And Farewell