The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Hi all. I'm heading to my first Al-Anon meeting this Friday and a little nervous. Have a wonderful husband who has binged off and on for years (I know that sounds like it doesnt make sense.) He's gone to a doctor who encouraged him to go to AA, however he refuses. He takes Campral...but it hasnt stopped the drinking (not sure he takes it like he should.) It has gotten worse lately due to the doctor prescribing Xanax for supposed anxiety issues. He still drinks on top of it. He has had minor accidents with the car and a pretty serious seizure after he took way too much (seizure was a couple of days after he stopped taking them.) I wrote a letter of concern to the doctor, yet my husband STILL is able to get refills (original prescription had 6 refills.) ARRGGHH.
Sorry to ramble...bottom line is that I'm trying to work on me and do some healthy things for me. I read the postings in here and my heart goes out to all of you.....so many problems and so much caring. Thanks for all the info and advice I've picked up in here. Bless you all.
hi Meerkat- good to hear from you. I am really glad to hear that you are heading to your first meeting. It takes a lot of courage to do that- walk thru those doors and into the rooms but its the best thing in the world- u will see. F2F are essential. For me, its like placing myself in the middle of a circle of God- speaking through all these incredible people who are also very ordinary at the same time. It is such an incredible experience to just sit back and listen to the Experience, Strength and Hope physically, in the rooms. Get ready to recover and find some of the most amazing people!
the first meeting I went to was a sunday afternoon meeting that was all women. It was a very small meeting and I just listened and wept. I went back for around 6 months and only listened without saying a word. Sometimes crying throughout. I only began saying a few words after around 8 months, I think. I would never stay to talk before or after, either- just quickly ran out the door. No hugs- that would be too much. I am into the program now around a year and a half and I feel good about chairing meetings, talking at meetings and I have taken a service position. We all are so different and choose different paths to recovery. I used to go to al-anon in my 20's and now returned to it in my 40's. It a program that works really well for me. I attend at least two if not three or four meetings per week. I love these times and the people I meet there.
Meerkat - Welcome and I am so sorry you are going through this. From what you have written you already know that combining Xanax and alcohol is extremely dangerous. Xanax is also highly addictive. I encourage you to follow up your letter to the doctor with a phone call. Alcoholics are notorious liars, his doctor may now know the whole truth. Keep coming back, Babysteps
