Today's page considers alcoholism as a disease, something that cannot be controlled by will power alone. If that is so, why do I perhaps act toward the alcoholic like it can be?
Reminder - 'Arguments are useless against sickness.' Compassion and understanding are powerful and helpful because they teach me not to punish. Even if this Alanon approach does not bring change in the alcoholic, it will bring me peace and strength.
"I pray to remember, every day, every hour, and especially in times of crisis, that hostile behavior on my part will only add fuel to a fire that could destroy us both." ---------------- I've seen people get caught up in the technical debate about alcohol as a disease or not. To me, it doesn't really matter because my Alanon recovery is not about the alcoholic, it's about me: my internal perspectives and how I interact with others.
The perspective of Alcoholism as a disease helps me to show grace when I might otherwise not, to see the need and benefit of compassion rather than my first choice: anger.
Still a struggle, but much, much better when I remember that I am powerless, as they are, against alcohol. I didn't cause, can't control or cure it, but with the help of my higher power, I don't need to try.
Grateful for the reminders
SunnyFrog said
Jan 24, 2023
Good morning
This sure is a timely reading for me, I needed this reminder today.
Something I am guilty of is picking and choosing which A's I have compassion for and which I hold the belief that alcoholism is a disease. Seems kinda silly now that I have said that,if I believe it's a disease for one family member and have empathy for them it's so messed up to not feel and believe that for another.
Have a good day
DM2021 said
Jan 24, 2023
Grateful reminder indeed Paul, thank you for your service and to you and SunnyFrog for both your ESH.
Remembering the disease of alcoholism affects the mind and body of the active drinker in my life on a
daily basis definitely reins in my disappointment when there is unkind words spoken in that it is easier
for me to walk away without feeling resentment. I still don't like it of course, but I no longer feel like
it is my fault, because I know the drinkers triggers and do avoid them. Most times the chaos arrives
so unexpectedly and takes me by surprise but am so much more calm about it and just walk away
without engaging.
DM2021 said
Jan 25, 2023
I know that Al-Anon says that the focus should not be on the alcoholic but on ourselves who
are trying to recover from those alcoholic's effects on our lives. What I have come to learn,
because I once worked for the health department before I retired, that when I need to
understand anything of a medical nature I turn to the National Institute of Health. What I
learned there is that alcohol accelerates the aging of older brains, it causes severe vitamin
deficiencies, it atrophies the cerebral area of the brain and affects a multitude of glands
that control hormones which contributes to brain changes and overall health of that persons
body. I did not want to believe that alcoholism was a disease in itself, but what it does do
is disease the body. That is just me seeking answers, please do not think that I am
preaching. Knowing how and why helps me to make better strides in my recovery.
Today's page considers alcoholism as a disease, something that cannot be controlled by will power alone. If that is so, why do I perhaps act toward the alcoholic like it can be?
Reminder - 'Arguments are useless against sickness.' Compassion and understanding are powerful and helpful because they teach me not to punish. Even if this Alanon approach does not bring change in the alcoholic, it will bring me peace and strength.
"I pray to remember, every day, every hour, and especially in times of crisis, that hostile behavior on my part will only add fuel to a fire that could destroy us both."
----------------
I've seen people get caught up in the technical debate about alcohol as a disease or not. To me, it doesn't really matter because my Alanon recovery is not about the alcoholic, it's about me: my internal perspectives and how I interact with others.
The perspective of Alcoholism as a disease helps me to show grace when I might otherwise not, to see the need and benefit of compassion rather than my first choice: anger.
Still a struggle, but much, much better when I remember that I am powerless, as they are, against alcohol. I didn't cause, can't control or cure it, but with the help of my higher power, I don't need to try.
Grateful for the reminders
This sure is a timely reading for me, I needed this reminder today.
Something I am guilty of is picking and choosing which A's I have compassion for and which I hold the belief that alcoholism is a disease. Seems kinda silly now that I have said that,if I believe it's a disease for one family member and have empathy for them it's so messed up to not feel and believe that for another.
Have a good day
Remembering the disease of alcoholism affects the mind and body of the active drinker in my life on a
daily basis definitely reins in my disappointment when there is unkind words spoken in that it is easier
for me to walk away without feeling resentment. I still don't like it of course, but I no longer feel like
it is my fault, because I know the drinkers triggers and do avoid them. Most times the chaos arrives
so unexpectedly and takes me by surprise but am so much more calm about it and just walk away
without engaging.
are trying to recover from those alcoholic's effects on our lives. What I have come to learn,
because I once worked for the health department before I retired, that when I need to
understand anything of a medical nature I turn to the National Institute of Health. What I
learned there is that alcohol accelerates the aging of older brains, it causes severe vitamin
deficiencies, it atrophies the cerebral area of the brain and affects a multitude of glands
that control hormones which contributes to brain changes and overall health of that persons
body. I did not want to believe that alcoholism was a disease in itself, but what it does do
is disease the body. That is just me seeking answers, please do not think that I am
preaching. Knowing how and why helps me to make better strides in my recovery.