My name is Andy C., and I am an alcoholic. I have been sober since November 3rd, 1977. I am sponsored, have sponsees, am involved in service work and use the Steps.
In keeping with our traditions and principles of anonymity, I have not published my last name. But I am eager to engage with you. Send me a note by clicking on the ‘message’ button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
You know you are in AA when you don’t know the last names of all your best friends. There can be too much anonymity. The apocryphal story of the guy showing up at the hospital admission desk asking for “Big Mike from the Monday night meeting” is a story that shows the problem with too much anonymity. We are not a secret society; we are an anonymous society. So, feel free to contact me. I will reply.
Biography
Andy C. has captured large elements of his sobriety with his GEMS series. Many of the lessons portrayed in the stories are from his experiences and observations as a successful lawyer, social leader and parent.
He was born in small town Ontario, Canada. He sobered up in his third year of law school, November 3, 1977. He graduated from Lakehead University with a Commerce and Finance Degree and then completed a Law Degree at the University of Toronto. He moved to Calgary. He married his wife Doreen and they have two children.
For Andy, not drinking was a first spiritual awakening. He’s been blessed with subsequent spiritual awakenings as the result of the practice of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and good sponsorship.
Andy is active in service work in AA, and was been instrumental in the foundation and ongoing growth of Simon House in Calgary. He was also a leader in the Lawyers’ Assist Program of Alberta, assisting lawyers in crisis often with booze and alcohol. Andy is involved in prodigious 12-step work. He is sponsored and sponsors others, and has a Home Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Andy C.?
Andy C. is the pen name of Andy Crooks, a recovery author and the writer of the GEMS series. He has been sober since November 3, 1977, and remains active in 12-step recovery through sponsorship, service work, and practicing the Steps.
Is “Andy C.” a pen name?
Yes. Andy publishes as Andy C., and he also publicly discloses his name as Andy Crooks. In keeping with 12-step traditions and the principle of anonymity, he does not publish a headshot.
Where is Andy C. from?
He was born in small-town Ontario, Canada, and later moved to Calgary.
What is Andy C.’s background?
He graduated from Lakehead University with a Commerce and Finance degree and completed a Law degree at the University of Toronto. He practiced law for many years and is now retired.
What is Andy C.’s involvement in recovery service?
Andy is active in AA service work, is sponsored and sponsors others, and has a Home Group. He has also been instrumental in the foundation and ongoing growth of Simon House in Calgary and supported the Lawyers’ Assist Program of Alberta.
How can I contact Andy C.?
You can send a message using the “message” button on the site. He welcomes respectful contact and will reply as soon as he can.