The Gangster's Guide to Sobriety

My Life in 12 Steps

By: Richie Stephens, John Altschuler, Dave Krinsky

Narrated by: Richie Stephens

A darkly humorous and inspiring first-person account of the larger-than-life exploits and ultimate redemption of an Irish gangster-turned-actor-turned-sober-storyteller—written in collaboration with the creators of Silicon Valley.

Richie Stephens is an actor who often plays hardened gangsters and criminals. This is easy for him because he was a drug trafficker, kidnapper, drug addict, alcoholic, and all-around criminal himself. His life twisted and turned in harrowing self-destructive adventures that took him from his native Ireland to San Francisco, Australia, and finally, Los Angeles, coalescing into a classic tale of a man trying to run from his problems by moving to new and more exotic locations—a hard and painful realization that comes at a point in which he’s about to take his own life. The only reason there is a story to tell is because he did not. Instead, he found help, and in doing so, found himself. More than that, he found that help comes in different forms, and oftentimes it just takes the right thought to hit at the right time for it all to make sense.

The Gangster’s Guide to Sobriety chronicles Richie’s descent into the abyss of crime and dependency and how his personal understanding of freedom allowed him to become the functioning positive force he is today. Richie’s story is sprawling and epic, but the key to the book is the same key to his recovery: the 12 Steps. With his own flair and original understanding of life and the world, he followed the 12 Steps to find the clarity he needed to save his own life and evolve into a positive force for others. As Richie says, “Hopefully if people see that someone as f--ked up as me could change their life, then there is hope for anyone.”

The Gangster’s Guide to Sobriety is gripping in its honesty and openness. Even at its darkest moments, there is a keen understanding of the absurd nature of life as the author comes to grips with his failings and his faith, while also entering a place of self-acceptance. This is a story of redemption and the power of the human spirit and how sometimes you have to turn to something greater than yourself.

©2022 Richie Stephens with John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky (P)2022 Audible, Inc.

Such a wild, heartfelt, and inspiring journey

From Richie’s charming narration to his surprisingly insightful moments of clarify amidst the chaos of his life, this book made me feel hopeful, uplifted, and genuinely proud.

Relatable, Charming, Inspiring

I love that Richie narrated it himself. So many wild stories! He is a brilliant storyteller and his message was full of heart and hope.

Funny, eye opening and inspiring

Richie’s story has many funny anecdotes about Ireland especially all the characters and impressions. The depths his addiction brought him to and for him to come back turn his life around is inspiring and very uplifting. To see how humble and aware he is through it all makes for an amazing story.

Very entertaining

The best part was hearing it straight from the author.
Fantastic! Inspiring and entertaining. You will enjoy it.

Richie, former Irish gangster, now actor in recovery!

As the widower of an alcoholic/addict who committed suicide 4 years ago, I listened to Richie’s story with great interest—-and even some insight. While my late wife was never criminal on Richie’s level (stealing ‘scripts from friends/neighbors medicine cabinets is just about as wild as she ever got), I totally recognized the kind of “addict thinking” (and “dry-drunk” thinking during her periods in the program) that Richie so colorfully describes. Coming from a background like his and then getting clean and sober, never mind staying sober for 11 years, is a feat of endurance and bravery at which I can only marvel. This is a real-world example of a “superhero” that we need to admire and applaud more! Enjoy!

Proof You’re Not Unique In Your Situation

This was amazing, it’s raw, real, and had just enough humor to keep me interested. Tells the story that while sobriety is not easy, and life will never be “perfect“, you can change for the better by doing the work.

A very entertaining quick read (listen)

Well read/performed and an interesting presentation to break the story up along the 12 steps. Give it a try

inspiring

loved this story. It really shows that anyone can get sober if they are willing to put in the work.

Amazing story

Highly entertaining book. Keeping you interested in what’s to come next for the character until the very last word. Heartfelt and sweet, funny and relatable. Absolutely amazing.

Totally worth the listen!

Fantastic! A story of triumph, tragedy, and comedy. Masterfully read by the Author. This book should be required reading for those seeking a way out of addiction.