Hello....  My name is Renee and I've been in AA for 10 years, however, I am just starting out in Al-Anon.  I work as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and have many family members who are alcoholics and/or addicts. 

I suppose "my bottom" as far as enabling is concerned, occurred this past weekend when my step-daughter took 20mg of Xanax and drank a pint of gin, etc. ~ ending up passed out on my couch.  I didn't know whether to call 911 or what...  (At that time I had no idea how many pills she took.)  So I spent the whole night taking her pulse and just watching over her to make sure she was okay.  And then I thought...  "This is completely unmanageable!!!!"

I am surrounded by the disease of addiction everyday.  And I am having a hell of a time inside of myself...  Boundaries are an issue... enforcing them is an issue... 

When I did my last AA 4th step my sponsor said I was a "Flaming Codependent" and she told me to go to Al-Anon.  I've put it off now for months, but I am sooooo ready to do something.  I read from "The Courage To Change," and "One Day At A Time In Al-Anon" everyday.  It's obviously not enough... 

Any suggestions on how to start this thing?  I stay at home during the day with my 2 year old and work Monday-Thursday in the evenings.  Then I go to my AA meeting on Friday evenings.  I'm trying to figure out how to add another thing to my schedule ( Face-to-Face Al-Anon meetings???)... but I don't know how I'm going to pull this off.

Are there any online MEETINGS here?  Where do I start???

TIA for any help! 

 

-- Edited by ReneeD at 14:30, 2005-03-10

Renee, I am glad you found us. I have been told many times that we get to Al-Anon when we are supposed to. It took me years of growing up in an alcoholic home and the having my A leave me after cheating to get serious about the program. Today, I am actually thankful I reached my personal bottom! As you may know, the only advice we give in Al-Anon is to keep coming back. It sounds like you have a lot of willingness already. As far as making it work, I would suggest posting here and squeezing in a face to face meeting anytime you can. I love being able to do program work online but there is no substitute for face to face meetings, in my opinion. It may serve you well to get a copy of the Al-Anon "Big Book" so to speak, it's blue and called "How Al-Anon Works." It's a great book and gives a good introduction to Al-Anon and how we are affected by the disease of alcoholism. Most importantly, just keep doing the next right thing for YOU. It will get better. Love and hugs, Jessi

Thank you!

I ordered just about every Al-Anon book I could find last week, including the one you suggested.  I haven't received it yet, but it should be coming soon. 

I am definitely READY. 

I appreciate your feedback... thanks so much!

Renee

Hi Renee,

Welcome, and yes there are online meetings here. 9Pm and I believe there is one during the day as well. If you go to the opening page, ou can find out more info.

You took the first step, you are here.

Come back and come often, everyone here cares about what you have to say.

As well as literature and face 2 face meetings, I have always found that reading posts from others helped me immensly. Plus this is a great place to vent and soul search.

                      Love Jeannie

                              

Thanks for your reply. 

I am reading...  I just received the Al-Anon Twelve & Twelve and see myself all over those pages! 

 

Renee,

Welcome! I have a great book for you to read. It's by Melody Beattie "Codependant No More" It is helpping me alot. She to was a counselor and in AA her book is truely for everyone.

Glad you are here, keep comming back.

JJ