In this special episode of Voices of Recovery, we open our August series, “Our Predecessors,” with the story of Bryan B.—a man whose early days in NA helped build the foundation for countless others, and whose return to recovery after decades away is a testament to the power of hope and new beginnings.A native New Yorker, Bryan’s early life was marked by achievement and turmoil: a gifted athlete and musician who grew up in the shadow of his father’s addiction and the absence of strong male role models. Determined to break the cycle, Bryan vowed to be different.Yet, addiction found its way in. During his first marriage, Bryan’s drug use spiraled, leading to infidelity and chaos. His infidelities and drug use tore his marriage and life apart, ultimately forcing him to choose between rehab and losing his career. Even then, he boldly told professionals he would use again the moment he left treatment—and he did. But the seed of recovery had been planted, quietly taking root.When Bryan finally surrendered to the disease of addiction and embraced recovery, it was in the years of the NA program’s infancy, when meetings were few but the fellowship was fierce. He built a lasting foundation through commitment and connection, holding onto his recovery even as he grieved the loss of his father.But life had more trials in store. Drawn away from meetings by the demands of his new marriage, Bryan spent decades outside the rooms of recovery, devoting himself to caring for his wife through her own addiction and repeated battles with cancer. In those long years, he clung to the wisdom of recovery literature, striving to remain clean and strong for his family, but all the while, missing the connection and community that had once sustained him.After his wife’s passing, Bryan faced a profound emptiness. Grieving and alone, without the familiar safety net of the fellowship, he made a courageous decision: to return. With humility and hope, he walked back into the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous, starting his journey anew after so many years away.Bryan’s story is one of endurance, sacrifice, and the extraordinary power of coming home. It is a reminder that even after decades apart, the doors of recovery remain open—and the path to healing is always waiting. Tune in for an episode that honors legacy, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit that calls us back to recovery, no matter how long we’ve been gone.

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