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It's Been a Long Time - Update
(Preview)
Hi all! I haven't been here in quite some time...for those of you who may remember me and my story, I just wanted to give you an update. My AH and I have been married for six years. He relapsed five years ago. There has been no physical abuse in our marriage, but the emotional abuse has been intense and gru...
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stephaniej
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7
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584
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My First Real Meeting
(Preview)
Five years ago I went to an Al-Anon meeting. It wasn't for me. Those people weren't like me. My daughter was just a heavy drinker. So I never went back. I mean, she is married and has 2 kids and I've never seen her drunk. Sure, she drinks a lot and her house is always a wreck and she sleeps all the time. We bic...
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IZ
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11
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776
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God never fails...just when needed He is always there.
(Preview)
I know that from my experience, God is very important in my life. I know some have another name for their understanding. If someone needs to have a different understanding, I hope you are not offended by what i say. I just want to remind myself of the power of God & of prayer. Once someone gets to step 1...
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Hoot Nanny
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4
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530
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Thanks for being here
(Preview)
This is kind of long but I need to get it all out! My husband and I got sober in 1991, together, him through in-patient treatment and me through being required to attend therapy with him as part of his treatment, which led to me realizing I am alcoholic too. Recently we've had a lot of life changes involvi...
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Karny
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7
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572
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C2C 8-1
(Preview)
The C2C reading for August 1st speaks about our motives for attending our first Al-Anon Meeting. It states that most of us do so because we're trying to learn how to get somebody to stop drinking.When we keep coming back we discover the truth that we didn't cause the alcoholism, can't control it and...
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hotrod
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3
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401
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A breath of fresh air!
(Preview)
After a few lousy day's last weekend and beginning of the week dealing with my A's nonsense we have had a great few day's drama free and I am grateful! I have focused on me and the kids and things have smoothed out. I know this doesn't mean that is the end of the drama however I am focused on the good that is h...
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Holly09
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4
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536
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No Spirit of Fear
(Preview)
I was asked the other day, wasn't I afraid to be alone? The question threw me a little because - of all the emotions/feelings I've gone through in the past years, fear of being alone just hasn't been one of them! Fear of being alone? Fear - of being alone in my peaceful house, able to do what I choose when I ch...
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likemyheart
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5
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648
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My alcoholic got back in contact
(Preview)
So finally after eight weeks she called. As I thought it wasn't good. She'd been locked in a house for several days and she'd been beaten. Sounds horrific.
What I'm beating myself up for was I was so preoccupied about how hurt I'd felt it was hard to be compassionate. She didn't ask for it to happen. Whe...
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PaulF
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9
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427
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XAH drinking around our son
(Preview)
Ok, so I need some advice about how to use program here. My son is 16 and old enough to learn how to handle his dad when he is required to spend time with him. I took my son to his first Al Anon meeting tonight and we talked about his father's drinking. Turns out there were things I didn't know, which I kind o...
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andromeda
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5
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335
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Happy Birthday Betty!!
(Preview)
Happy birthday and thank you for the amazing and selfless work you do. You are my biggest inspiration and I hope you have a wonderful day!!! 
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missmeliss
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22
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775
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C2C 7 31
(Preview)
The C2C reading for July 31 asks that we really think about and use the slogan:"Living one day at a time". It points out that when we take one day, one moment, one task at a time and really concentrate on it a lot more gets done. The reminder suggests that when we catch ourselves feeling o...
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hotrod
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8
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619
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New to Al-anon
(Preview)
I have been attending Al-anon meetings for about 4 months now so I still consider myself relatively new. I hear some really sad and terrifying stories in my meetings and I sit there and think "my situation was so much different". My addict (family member) is in long-term recovery now and he...
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creatvepro
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8
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662
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Thank you
(Preview)
Apologies for my overuse of this forum!
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PaulF
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5
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416
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Hi All, I am new here.
(Preview)
Hi All, I am new to Ala-non and addiction somewhat as well. My sister is in recovery for 3 years but somehow now having an AH is a whole new ballgame. I guess it's the difference with living with the addict versus not. Anyway, my AH's "secret" was just found by me. He just spent 12 days (not nearl...
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Italylover23
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7
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648
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Heart shattered
(Preview)
Many times have i wanted to reach out here but not feLt brave enough or worthy enough when i can see you have your own problems to deal with and there are so few of you always giving your time and precious support to those in need and I feel guilty drawing on your energy and time when i should be able to help m...
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rainbow
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14
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744
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Different perspective ..
(Preview)
I do have to laugh we all got home however it was something. Spent the night at the airport I could have stood up a little more and probably gotten them to cover the hotel expense however .. you know it just wasn't worth it. LOL .. plus I figured well small airlines it's not like they are all going to talk to...
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SerenityRUS
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2
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581
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My own worst enemy ..
(Preview)
and I mean well however good grief ... I really set myself up to be my own worst enemy. Today I'm suppose to fly out and pick the kids up. I booked tickets ohhh way long ago like in June. I got to the airport just to check .. gotta love small towns I can just fly in and out at a whim Anyway .. same crazy lady I had...
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SerenityRUS
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7
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625
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C2C 7-30
(Preview)
The C2C reading for today, July 30( my birthday incidentally), speaks about making a serious commitment to our recovery and that "finding happiness" is an inside job. It points out that we often are committed to happiness and working the program but at the first sign of trouble we abandon...
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hotrod
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4
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467
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havent been here in awhile. . need tlc
(Preview)
Well, i havent posted in awhile, id like to say its cuz im doing ok. .Which for the most part is true. But i realize staying away isnt good. Ive taken a new job. Working in a mental health clinic ft and summers as opposed to my former school job. the environment and peopke are FAR better. . Being away from hom...
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Theoceancalls
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5
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696
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A BAD Mutha - Shut your mouth!
(Preview)
Yes, I'm crazy. I've known this for a long time. Crazy and mean. Not mean in my soul, but mean on the surface from a lifetime of pain. I used to practice being mean in my head. I'm a professional. When someone stepped out of line, I could make them shrivel like a spider on a hot stove. And if no one was s...
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almostThere
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5
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633
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Oh the emotions!
(Preview)
I am trying with all my might to use my program tools and conduct my relationships in new healthier ways - but my emotions are scared as heck. One thing I've realized is that I typically have had a partner and friends who are not very sympathetic when things are hard. My parents were pretty dismissive of...
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Mattie
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17
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773
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I'm so calm.
(Preview)
It just hit me. I have a fair amount going on...I share custody of 2 young kids that I'm present and engaged with, I'm navigating the emotions of divorce, drafted a legal separation mostly on my own, got our house repaired and under contract (fingers crossed the sale goes through), am getting my finan...
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littlelionman
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15
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859
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Does the disease affect behavior even before alcohol ever enters the picture?
(Preview)
Hi all, I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is an alcoholic an alcoholic before they ever start drinking, and can behaviors/thought processes that occur earlier in the alcoholic's life be a result of the disease? My AH was talking to me the other night about some thought processes and behaviors that he...
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RealitySucker
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7
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613
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First meeting!
(Preview)
Ok - first meeting done. Glad I did it. Felt comfortable and had a good safe place with which to share and identify. I'll certainly keep coming back.
Naturally part of this is trying to understand my own actions in the situation with her. Sometimes I feel inadequate, sometimes I feel I'm losing my san...
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PaulF
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4
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422
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help me get patience please, quickly.x
(Preview)
Im struggling with a newish shortcoming recently, patience. What is it and how do i get it? What tools do i need? What causes impatience?
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el-cee
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3
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465
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HALT: I'm in a foul mood
(Preview)
I left my bf's house last night in a foul mood and I know it had nothing to do with him, but everything to do with me. He was teasing me about the fact that I needed to go home and take care of my dog instead of spending the night with him and giving me a hard time. I know he was only kidding but I felt a bit put off:...
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andromeda
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9
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717
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Needed all my tools today!
(Preview)
I made it to my class today, a little late so I had to squeeze in to a seat between 2 other ladies. One of them is a lovely smiling soul that I have sat with in classes before. The other was an older lady I've not met before who gave me a really dirty look when I sat down, enough to make me wonder if I'd forgotten to...
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missmeliss
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9
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635
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im still here...
(Preview)
...just in case you were missing me. Im not recovered yet, all better!!! Haha, i wish, still affected by alcoholism, always will be. A lifelong member of this freedom programme, i love so much. Its given me new elements of freedom. First freedom from the addiction of alcoholics and dysfunction, mise...
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el-cee
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9
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592
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I'm sorry from a 9 day sober ah
(Preview)
I kicked my ah out of the house. He has been coming to visit my daughter and is charming one minute and then whamo. He says he can only say sorry so much and that I keep nagging him and wanting him to feel bad. I have been going back and forth with him every since When I have seen him, he makes a quick face of he is s...
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Helpangel
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7
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576
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First meeting tonight
(Preview)
Ok. Preparing for first Al-Anon meeting tonight. All I can say is I'm looking forward to it. I feel so impotent at the moment so I'm relieved I'm facing up to some pretty unpleasant feelings. I'm glad I found this board and over the last few days they have provided me with some small comfort. It's still so...
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PaulF
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5
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502
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C2C 7-29
(Preview)
The Courage to Change reading for July 29 reinforces the fact that Al-Anon is a spiritual program and not a religious one. It points out that spirituality doesn't have to imply a particular philosophy or moral code. In alanon the principle of Spirituality simply means that we believe there is a Po...
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hotrod
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2
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563
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Cool happenings :-)
(Preview)
So many new things are coming into my life just lately. I blame al-anon! I'm excited today. Daughter was sick and stayed home from school. (That wasn't the exciting bit, don't worry). I couldn't concentrate on my work with her chatter and the TV playing all day so instead I had one of those days where you...
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missmeliss
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8
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465
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My sister went to her first meeting today...
(Preview)
My sister and I have always been best friends. We are a year apart and are adult women. Today, she went to her first AA meeting. I'm so incredibly proud of her... I didn't really think about how far her drinking had gotten but she has always been really wild when she drinks. She has a hard time maintaining c...
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ChamHam
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12
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699
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Hope for Today July 28
(Preview)
good morning everyone- today's reading talks about sponsorship. It is the story of a young person who did not have alateen available to her, so was encouraged to attend alanon. She then asked for a sponsor and the sponsor tells how much she gained in working through the steps and program with her youn...
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yanksfan51
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2
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464
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I need daily therapy to keep me mentally emotionally and spiritually well
(Preview)
thank God for life changing honesty my local meeting is helping to make me see the need daily to practice this program every day of my life. my feelings may get hurt " just for today" but I will try not to show it. i worked through hurt feelings and overcame a terrible thought I had about my hermi...
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Quakeroat
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3
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556
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Trying to commuinicate with an A
(Preview)
And the insanity that goes with it. How can one person do so much damage when they have only text 3x in a 5 week period to their kids? That is a redundant question do not answer that one .. lol. Oi. So I'm trying to figure out how to keep the focus on me and what is happening currently which is a move. First...
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SerenityRUS
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5
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667
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Why do you stay with your active A?
(Preview)
I'm new to the forums. Brief intro, I've been with my A for 4 years now, married for almost 2. I didn't even begin to suspect he might have a problem with alcohol until a couple of months before we got married, and even then I thought he'd just fallen into a bad habit, so we talked about it and agreed to cut bac...
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RealitySucker
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17
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684
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Hi, Im new here - need advice ASAP
(Preview)
Hello everyone! I might be new to this forum but I am definitely not new to being the daughter of an alcoholic mother. I think I am ready to cut all ties with my mother after 18 years of dealing with her crap. Heres my story. Please advise me as I have been going back and forth with the issue of finally sa...
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Jacklynn
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9
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800
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Communication with the addict
(Preview)
firstly - my heartfelt thanks for all the responses yesterday. I'm getting some good perspective. A question that is on my mind a lot is the best way to communicate with the addict. I'm not looking for answers - just other people's experience. I like the notion of responding and not reacting. In my own c...
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PaulF
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11
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573
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First post - help!
(Preview)
Bear with me - this is painful
In brief - I'm an alcoholic with 15 months sobriety. I met a charming woman when I was in rehab. Nothing happened when we were there but we stayed in contact when she left in January. We admitted we had feelings for each other but what I didn't know was she'd relapsed soon aft...
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PaulF
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15
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661
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Undervaluing me ..
(Preview)
Today I'm suppose to be doing the grownup thing .. I'm sort of doing that I am sending out resume's at the moment. Well, here I sit at Starbucks and I'm eaves dropping on a conversation between two very attractive women and one of them had kids. I couldn't tell at first. As a woman I am always shocked bec...
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SerenityRUS
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5
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549
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C2C 7-27
(Preview)
The C2C reading for July 27 speaks about the words from the; "Al-Anon suggested closing" This statement , is truly gold and reminds us to "let there be no gossip or criticism of one another." The reading then goes on to explain that we need to leave our judgmental attitudes at t...
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hotrod
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7
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505
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Dennis
(Preview)
There's a big horsefly that's been hanging around my porch. He buzzes around me every now and then, and I swat at him. He hasn't bitten me (yet). I was sitting for a minute, taking a break and working a little al-anon when he landed on the railing near me. I had my flip-flop poised to squash him. I starte...
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almostThere
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5
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474
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The 8,000,000,000 Steps of Al-Anon
(Preview)
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable. 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable. 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable. 1. We admitted we were powerless over alc...
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almostThere
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8
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564
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Enabling
(Preview)
Hi everyone, first post from a fairly desperate guy! My wife has been drinking on and off now for three years and over the past two / three months it's been every day. I've been reading up on topics such as how I should be dealing with this, and it turns out that I've recognised that my behaviour (losing my t...
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Stevie75
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10
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695
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Trying to Resist the Crazy Train...
(Preview)
So Today was a Typical Over Reacted Morning from my AH, Trying My Best not to Jump on "HIS" Crazy Train...lol I went out last night with some Al-Anon Ladies, for Dinner and a Swim, and didn't get home till almost 11pm ;) I had a Wonderful time, and the fellowship was amazing ;) There was a Lady...
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Jozie
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14
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646
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In-laws
(Preview)
I am visiting in-laws this weekend. Instead of being pleasant and relaxing, it's been stressful, tense, and drama filled. There are dynamics that are so crazy it's making my head spin. It does directly relate to damage from alcoholism and fallout from former allegiences and past abuse from my husb...
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pinkchip
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10
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785
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The insanity roller coaster
(Preview)
The insanity roller coaster was at a lul for a long time until a couple of months ago, then at a lul again until this weekend and now I'm so angry that I can't tell if it's more at him or myself! I used to have to lock up certain meds my sons adderall and any narcotics that were prescribed to anyone other than t...
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Holly09
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6
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483
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Set my boundaries and being tested
(Preview)
A couple of months ago I told my A fiance he had to leave after a really long dry spell we had a night from hell (yet again) I told him when he came back and we talked (my aspergers 11 yr old had a breakdown and ended up in the er) if he was going to live here he was going to have to be sober I wasn't living like this 12...
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Holly09
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10
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805
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How do I let go?
(Preview)
Ever since I can remember, my mom would sleep the daylight away, secluding herself to her room. I was 14 years old, sitting alone in the living room watching TV. I never thought it was abnormal that my mom wasn't involved in my life the way she should have been. I thought it was normal.
I grew up without g...
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DistantObserver
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6
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561
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He has relapsed. Again.
(Preview)
Hello everyone. I'm new to the Al Anon forum. My husband is an alcoholic. We've been together for 7 years and married for 4 years, we also have a 16 month old son. My husband has always been a problem drinker, he always overdid it and every social event or occasion inevitably resulted in him drinking, usu...
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Braavos
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4
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529
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He won't move out so I am
(Preview)
This is a very confusing time. I have been out of my house for 2 weeks. My 10 and 12 yr old sons our at home with him. I have no idea if he is drinking but at least they are all just at home, not really going anywhere. I have had a strong desire to not be in the same house with him for at least 14 months - since he first...
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oceanpine
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12
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629
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An unexpected visit.
(Preview)
Abf turned up here late Wednesday night. Surprisingly he didn't walk right in but stood on the doorstep, handed me my long-lost bag, and told me "I came to give your bag back. I'd love to come in and see you but if you don't want me here, I'll turn around and go home and no hard feelings, I'll just tell y...
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missmeliss
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3
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380
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C2C 7-26
(Preview)
The C2C reading for July 26 speaks about identifying illusions that can make our lives unmanageable. One of the illusions. that the meditation speaks about is that we act" as if" we have the power to control others--. once we accept. our powerlessness-as is suggested in the fir...
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hotrod
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4
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496
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I wish I could
(Preview)
I wish I could bring Al-Anon to my family, certain friends. I have gotten so much good peace and contentment from having it in my life I wish I could share it with people and help them achieve it as well. Visiting my family I sat back and cringed at the way people who care about each other miscommunicated, i...
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likemyheart
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5
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557
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C2C 7-25
(Preview)
The C2C reading for July 25. speaks about the anger, resentments, self-pity ,and guilt that we carry about within us. prior to finding Al-Anon. The reading suggests that by working the Al-Anon program the answer became apparent--." We lacked courage to validate ourselves" If w...
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hotrod
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6
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498
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chaos and anxiety!
(Preview)
I am a neat freak,a perfectionist and a little obsessive about my house.The first thing I do when I move into a new place is make it pretty.I can't stand clutter and chaos,it actually makes me physically anxious.The problem is I ran out of time on the house I bought and we had to move in early.So I am livin...
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mjferg
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4
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455
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Newbie here. Should I stay or should I go?
(Preview)
My boyfriend is a binge drinker alcoholic (as opposed to a daily drinker alcoholic, i guess). He just told me this in an email. We're on a break right now because of his drinking. We've been together for 2 years and we frequently would hang out and drink together. I would have 3 or 4 and stop, but he would ke...
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nightlight
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13
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789
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It never stops
(Preview)
It's been over a year since I have posted here but nothing much has changed. My husband is still drinking and hiding it (not very well). I have had to set some boundaries, keep the bottles in the garage away from the kids, I don't want him to ever drive with kids in the car (he's had 1 dui that he thinks is a flu...
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Starting Again
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11
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550
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Some funnies ..
(Preview)
So I'm a bit of a wild spirit sometimes free sometimes wild sometimes both .. I did have a lovely young man tell me I was someone who was unforgettable and that got proven the other night .. LOL! I took off to St Louis the other night it was a cheap flight, I was meeting a girlfriend of mine who flew in on busine...
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SerenityRUS
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3
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500
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