Recovery Summit

My name is Refugio Ortega, but some may know me as Ralph. I’m married to a woman who is just as beautiful inside as she is outside, and I have two amazing daughters. They are my world. I am 4 years clean and sober by the grace of God and currently hold a meeting at Sierra Fellowship called “Life After”. I have also had the privilege of working in recovery and built some amazing relationships along the way.

 I was born in Fresno and graduated from Clovis East High School in 2003. My parents are from Mexico and gave me and my sisters beyond what they had. I played football all throughout school and enrolled in Fresno City College. When I was playing football, I really loved the lifestyle that was fast and driven by ego. When it was over, I dropped out and I started making money by selling drugs. In 2016, my best friend/brother passed away. I didn’t know how to deal with grief, so I found relief in using cocaine and alcohol. What started as occasionally use turned into daily use and before I knew it, I was 150 lbs., ruining relationships, and on the brink of suicide during a family vacation. My wife quickly intervened and gave me an ultimatum.

 On July 27^th, 2021, I went to rehab in San Diega, and had my life shaken, rattled, and rolled. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I did everything that was suggested. I believe God put everything together. I chose a sponsor, whom I have to this day. I continued recovery with an outpatient program at Touchstone Recovery Center and graduated from there in February 2022. I called my sponsor daily and met with him weekly for 3 years. I jumped into the middle of the pack. Today I have sponsors whom I’m helping and in return, they’re helping me.

It is said: God heard my cry for help and brought me to AA. And AA brought me closer to God. I seek His will not my own. I am forever grateful. The steps showed me how to surrender, serve, and live with a conscious contact with Jesus.

Growing up I was a star athlete in wrestling and golf. My actions caused me to spend half my life in prison and this is where my addiction took me. I now have a loving wife with five crazy and amazing children. When your lips match your feet, incredible things will happen!

Eight and a half years ago, I made a choice that changed everything — not just to get sober, but to reclaim my spirit, my truth, and my connection to something greater than myself. This journey hasn’t just been about staying away from a drink — it’s been about remembering who I am at my core: someone deeply intuitive, divinely guided, and worthy of peace. There were moments in the dark when I didn’t know if I’d make it through, but God’s grace always found me — sometimes as a whisper, sometimes as a roar. Through the pain, the stillness, and the breakthroughs, I’ve grown into a version of myself that feels grounded, present, and powerful in a quiet, spiritual way.

My sobriety isn’t just a timeline — it’s sacred. It’s years of choosing alignment over chaos, soul over ego, purpose over numbness. I’ve learned to listen to the voice within, to trust in divine timing, and to honor my healing even when it was messy and raw. There’s a glow in my spirit now, one that came from walking through fire and coming out refined, not ruined. I am living proof that recovery is a spiritual awakening — and every day, our light reaches further than we know.

My name is Laq, and I am an alcoholic. My sobriety journey began in March 2020. After the birth of my child, I believed I would naturally leave alcohol and partying behind, but through a series of difficult events and lessons, I came to understand that I was completely powerless over it. Joining a 12-step program and leaning on God’s grace transformed my life, allowing me to live fully as a happy and sober mother, daughter, and friend. Today, I walk in sobriety and help other women find their own path to freedom. I remain committed and excited to further discovering and fulfilling the purpose God has placed me on this Earth to live.