If you are in recovery from alcoholism or addiction and went through a detox center, had inpatient treatment, or attended a DWI school in the United States, you’ve probably seen the videos of Father Joseph Martin.

They are played so often, my friends in the program and I used to joke and say the only reason we stayed clean and sober was so we wouldn’t have to go back in rehab and watch them again.

Father Martin, a Maryland priest who had struggled with alcohol, taught hundreds of thousands of alcoholics to stay sober. He was a gifted storyteller who used humor to explain the disease of addiction in simple terms. He presented his lectures around the world at a chalkboard, which became his trademark.

At the age of 84, Father Martin continued his ministry to help others up until a week before his death at his home on March 9, 2009.

Several clips from Father Martin’s videos are available on his YouTube channel.

Father Martin’s words reached me at a time in my life when not much else could.

I had a trick bag of reasons on why I could not possibly be an alcoholic like my father. But when Father Martin said:

It doesn’t matter what you drink, how much you drink, when you drink, or who you drink. Alcoholics have problems because of thier drinking, but drink anyway.”

I heard that. I felt that. I couldn’t deny that was me.

Or his story about the mom who was a falling down drunk, went through treatment, came home and went to meetings every night.

One evening, once again, she was sticking TV dinners in the oven.

Her daughter says, “Mom, you aren’t going to a meeting again tonight are you? Are you ever going to spend any time with us?”

“Yes honey, I’m going to a meeting. You didn’t like me when I was drinking did you?”

“To tell you the truth mom, I don’t like you much either way.”

I heard that also. I felt that also.

Thank you Father Martin for helping me get clean and sober. When I die and go to heaven, will you sponsor me?

If his work touched you on your recovery journay, you are invited to submit your statements of remembrance of Father Martin.

My condolences to Father’s Martin’s family and friends.

May he rest in peace, and his work continue to touch the lives of millions more suffering alcoholics, addicts, and their loved ones.

Recovery Rocks!

Roxie

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