Episode 18: Rock star Max Bergstrom talks sobriety, character defects

Max Bergstrom is 8 1/2 years sober, but he's all too aware that he needs to work a daily program to address his character defects - vanity, insecurity and others to keep himself on the righteous path, and to continue his healing process.

Max went through rehab multiple times, tried and failed to take his own life twice, but it took him breaking down after his father's funeral, calling his AA sponsor, and fully committing to following the Big Book to the letter for him to finally get clean and make it stick.

Max is the frontman of the rock band Avenue Army, which will play its first show in 14 months this weekend. He's a straight-shooter, a deep-thinker, and a Big Book-thumper dead set on constantly clearing his side of the street. His story will bring you to your knees, but it's trending toward a happy ending.

Our conversation with Max was presented by Gateway Foundation. If drugs and alcohol are starting to take over your life, or the life of someone you love, it’s time to be honest and enlist some help. Gateway offers life-saving inpatient services, as well as virtual treatment. Call 877-505-HOPE to schedule a consultation, or visit gatewayfoundation.org for more information.