The July 27th reading in ODAAT in Al-Anon got me to thinking about what if alcoholism had not been a part of the four marriages I have been in, would they have succeeded had alcoholism not been a part? What about other relationships that I have had where alcoholism was a part, would the removal of the alcohol made the relationship bearable? Probably not. (It wouldn't have hurt though )

As I've heard many alcoholics say, "alcohol was not the problem, alcohol was the solution" What does this mean? I believe it to mean that there is an underlieing cause of the problems that the alcoholic suffers. Insecurity, self-esteem, mental anxiety, fear, panic attacks, mistrust and a number of other maladies. Alcohol is used to sooth these feelings. That is why many who quit drinking on their own without a program of recovery suffer needlessly every day of their life from these maladies. This is not necessary if they would seek God for their life challenges and seek the help of their fellows in AA. This is only my opinion.

Back to me and Al-anon, what it helps ME do and not do. It helps me keep the focus on myself and off of the alcoholic. The problems that the alcohol aggravates are just those, problems. I can chose to dwell on them or I can chose to Let Go and Let God handle the alcoholic. Alcoholism may have introduced me to Al-anon, but for me today, Al-anon is a life-long program from which I will not graduate. It helps me deal with life on life's terms. Just as AA helps the alcoholic deal with life on life's terms.

I agree with today's reading. We all need some standard to live by. Some gauge by which to measure ourselves and our progress in this life. For me that gauge is Al-anon.

Yours in Recovery,
Overcome