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.
I've come to this site because I am having trouble getting to f2f meetings and I need a place where others understand and listen. I know from the f2f meetings that we rarely offer advice, but rather share our experiences and allow our AA family to pick what is useful from our sharing
I come from a whole family tree of A's and even some mental issues. My father died from A related complications. My mother is sick from A related issues. My brothers are addicted to many things, including alcohol. And to top things off, my social drinker husband cannot stop drinking either I suspect his sister has some A tendencies herself, as does her hubby.
I have three children, ranging in ages from 12 to 17. While no one has come out and called it by name, they understand our family has problems. My 17 year old even commented once that there was no such thing a "functional" family--there are just degrees of dysfunction. Out of the mouth of babes.
My AH is "functional". He doesn't miss work, he makes most of the softball and soccer matches. But he cannot forgo his evening cocktail(s). If he attempts to "go on the wagon", he's miserable and makes us all miserable too. I'm still with him because I don't want to raise our children alone, I don't want them shuttled back and forth between parents. I still love the AH even after all he has put me through.
I feel like I'm the sane one among the insanity, trying to provide my children with the sober example I think they need to see. I'm just taking it one day at a time, trying to find peace and contentment in the midst of the A.
You didn't say why you are having trouble getting to face to face meetings. Just to pass on what worked for me; I learned that missing meetings increased my chances of relapse and going that deep into insanity again scared me so deeply that I rarely miss a meeting if I can help it. Today I have a life and it was saved by working this program. I was also an Alateen sponsor for 9 years and that program is 50 years old already. The attendance ages are 12 to 20 however that program is like ours; a group conscious can get younger ones in as long as they will abide by the traditions and guidelines. (Group parenting without a parent. I've seen it work miracles.)
Consider the consequences of not going. Consider the consequences of going.
Well there are alternatives. You can go to meetings here, there are some great great meetings here. You can commit to going to various on line resources. You can look for an online sponsor. You can immerse yourself in literature. There are options. There are always options. I don't like options but lately I've been willing to look at them.
Welcome! Glad to have you here. Keep coming back and posting. You will find lots of ESH here and people who care.
In recovery,
__________________
~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
I suspect his sister has some A tendencies herself, as does her hubby.