I got sober at 22 and was willing to go to any lengths to have a better life. Part of that was facing and clearing up the wreckage of the past.
A world of opportunity opened up to me. I was able to finish my engineering training for one thing. Then I picked up my dream job, starting as a trainee I worked hard for 18 months to earn my position and then was posted to the best territory in the country and, 4-5 years into sobriety I was in the top 5% income bracket and having a ball. I went on to do all sorts of interesting things, and am currently cruising SE Asia in my yacht.
I have seen lots of young people in AA succeed in life. All it takes is the willingness to do what it takes. There are no free rides.