Hey, I'm new here - Al-Anon Family Group

hotrod · ~*Service Worker*~

Hey, I'm new here

Vesu · Member

I recently left my husband of 10 years because of his addictions. He's started going to AA meetings and is looking to get involved with NA as well. We're living apart at the moment but he says he doesn't want a divorce, that we still have a chance. I'm pretty conflicted about that so I thought that while he's getting into the AA world with people who understand him, I should find a place for people like me.

There are local Al-Anon meetings in my town but I can't seem to get up the courage to make it to one yet, hopefully soon!

Michelle814 · ~*Service Worker*~

Youre doing the right thing.. for YOU!! and for him.. actually. Welcome to MIP and I know what its like to feel anxious about the real life meetings but no one is judging and.. they are so so so therapeutic. I love al-anon. I breathe, eat, sleep, pray al-anon.. it has absolutely saved my sanity, my grace.. and has given me serenity and peace. welcome and again, keep coming back!!!

Vesu · Member

Thanks, I worry all the time about whether I'm doing the right thing. Can you, or anyone else here, explain how the 12 steps are applied to people in Al-Anon?

Michelle814 · ~*Service Worker*~

Im too new to guide you in that direction, you would want an old timer to help you work on that but I do work my steps. Just last night I had to do steps 4-7 again, had to let go of some of my character defects, humbly ask my HP to remove them. I do 1-3 all the time, I am powerless over alcoholism, other people. places, things, the past, the car in front of me, my boss's weird choices, the weather etc etc etc .. There is a step board http://stepwork.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=42763 and each week they work on a step. Its very helpful. I hope you get some responses from maybe Betty, Jerry, glad lee, etc.. some of the people who really know their stuff. Stick around. This place is really a community, people care and are helpful. I feel I know some of the people on here and I have never met them. haha

Jackie11 · ~*Service Worker*~

http://alanon.activeboard.com/t13820090/frequently-asked-questions/

These are frequently asked questions, I found this very helpful when I first came to this board. Welcome to MIP. Keep coming back, you are worth it!

Michelle814 · ~*Service Worker*~

Jackie, man youre good!!!

Debilyn · ~*Service Worker*~

hi and welcome

um ya sit at a table usually. Then the person leading the meeting has people read the twelve steps and traditions. Then asks who would like to share after a topic is chosen.. on not.

People then share vent whatever for about 5 min. No one interrupts them or comments or asks them questions.

Anyone can share. no one has to.

They may have a basket for donations but newcomers are usually discouraged to at first. After meeting people yak some, some go for coffee or what ever. Some ask each other things etc. It is that simple.

There are meetings just for newcomers sometimes, sometimes ones just on steps. If there is more than one you can go to all or just one.There are open AA ones also.

No matter what they can help you in every aspect of your life.

I am so glad for you to be starting your journey. Its a wonderful wonderful thing this aa and al anon ala teen acoa. I am not kidding when I say it can help everyone and anyone even if they do not have an A they love!

hugs! debilyn

Pushka · ~*Service Worker*~

Hugs and welcome,

I hope you will take the risk and go to a meeting it is a great first step to making life so much better for you!! If nothing changes ... nothing changes!

Hugs P :)

Breakingfree · ~*Service Worker*~

Hi and welcome to MIP! I also hope you make it to face to face meetings, it is life changing. Sending you love and support on your journey!

pineapple · ~*Service Worker*~

Vesu, welcome to MIP! This is a great place to learn about the disease of alcoholism/addiction. And even more important, to learn how to take care of ourselves, and to share with others who understand. I hope you do get to a meeting. I also hope you'll keep coming back here.

Vesu · Member

Aw you guys are great! Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm learning a lot just by reading all of the posts here and it definitely helps me feel like I'm not so alone in all this.

Jozie · ~*Service Worker*~

(((((((Vesu))))))))

Welcome to Our Family :0)

You have COme to the Right Place for Love & Understanding, & You may even Find Your Courage Here to Go to that 1st Meeting... I Landed Here Softly just over 3yrs ago, and many here have Helped Me & Supported Me to Want More for ME in My Life... My Life has taking a New Light, My Famiy has Grown by enormous Numbers, and Every Step is Worth Taking because I am WORTH IT :0) & Are You!

READ AWAY... & When your Done... Read Some more... i Never Really Understood Alcoholism & Addition till I Got here, Got the lit that they handed Me at my 1st Meeting, and I Got Busy...

The SLogans are Wonderful for Me, They are Quick Ways to keep me In My Business & Out of my Alcoholics/Addicts...

Go Easy on Yourself... And Know that This is A Sure Fire Way to Give Yourself the Life You Deserve Regardless of what is Down the road for you...

KEEP COMING BACK....
Friends In Recovery....

Welcome to Our Family :)

Jozie

danni · Senior Member

Welcome! It does take courage to walk into that first meeting, so I am sending you courage! I was literally shaking my first meeting. Little did I know it was a fantasitic beginning for the rest of my life...When you are ready, you will find yourself there. Glad you are here! It is recommended that you try at least six different meetings before deciding if it is right for you. I find each meeting has a different vibe and flavor, but the support and understanding is universal. Sending you support. Glad you are here!

abbyal · ~*Service Worker*~

I was told to ask myself just one question , Do you love him ? if I do then finding my own program would help me make an informed decission , there are no guarantees in either program to save a relationship but two people going in the same direction have a chance . remember that in the meeting room everyone is there for the same reason you are , they love an alcoholic . Take your Higher Power with you to the meetings he lovessssss meetings and your not alone .

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.