Overcoming Addiction: Frank Somerville’s Journey to Sobriety
Frank Somerville, a former Bay Area TV news anchor, recently made a brave and candid admission about his struggles with alcohol. In a heartfelt interview with KRON4, Somerville opened up about the chaos and pain caused by his addiction, expressing his determination to turn his life around.
Somerville acknowledged the harm he caused to his ex-wife and children, attributing his actions to his selfish behavior while under the influence of alcohol. The former anchor revealed that his awakening came on June 6, a day that marked his arrest in Berkeley, not just once, but twice within a 24-hour period.
During the interview, Somerville shared that he was still in the process of resolving the domestic situation that led to his arrests. He refrained from discussing his side of the story, stating that it would be more appropriate to address it in due time, considering the slow pace of court proceedings.
The turning point for Somerville occurred on June 6 when he made the decision to completely stop drinking and sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). He committed himself to a new sober lifestyle, embracing the 12-step recovery program offered by AA and attending five meetings per week. Additionally, he incorporated exercise into his routine as part of his journey toward healing.
Reflecting on his transformation, Somerville shared, “On June 6, I surrendered. I surrendered to myself, to God, or a higher power. I’m a completely different person now. I’ve taken care of the things that trigger me, the things that I was afraid of.”
For many years, Somerville had been a highly regarded TV news anchor in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, behind the scenes, he struggled with his own personal battles, hidden from public view. In May 2021, he faced his first public scandal when he audibly slurred his words during a newscast, leading to widespread attention and concern. Somerville took a leave of absence and sought treatment in rehab before returning to work three months later.
His troubles continued, and in September 2021, he was suspended from KTVU, the network he worked for, following an incident. Then, in December 2021, he was arrested for DUI after crashing his car into another vehicle and a pole in Oakland. Somerville’s struggles with alcohol were further highlighted in a March 2023 interview, where he admitted to occasionally drinking while attending hockey games.
Somerville emphasized the transformative power of sobriety and the impact of AA’s 12-step program. Connecting with fellow alcoholics in support meetings allowed him to open up and discuss things he had never spoken about before. Learning to navigate life’s ups and downs without relying on alcohol became his new focus.
Once feeling like an insurmountable obstacle, Somerville now sees his alcoholism as something he can overcome. He expressed his message simply: “If I can do it, anybody can do it.” Each day without alcohol marks a significant milestone on his journey toward building a stronger foundation and leaving behind the destructive patterns of his past.
Frank Somerville’s story serves as a reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their public image or success. It takes courage to confront one’s demons and seek the help needed to break free from the cycle of substance abuse. Somerville’s openness about his struggles can provide inspiration and encouragement to others who may be facing similar challenges.