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.
My husband of 13 years has just realized within the past year he is an alcoholic. I have a ton of questions and don't really have anyone to talk to about this. I've tried to go to a local meeting here but it never works out with my work schedule and our kids. We've been together for 22 years and have two wonderful children. He didn't even drink until about 5 years ago and now he says he is an alcoholic. I don't even know if that is possible....so I am so confused and just looking for some insite and possibly a sounding board.
Hi bella, welcome. I know that AA have a checklist that helps define alcoholism. I think it may be online. I can't really relate to your post as my ex was and is a typical a, so no doubts for me. I think the best thing you could do for yourself and family is go to an Alanon meeting, again info is on line.
I am so happy you found us and had the courage to share. You are not alone. Here, we accept the AMA's diagnosis that alcoholism is a disease over which we are powerless. We did not cause it, cannot control it, and cannot cure it.
Being powerless over his disease does not mean we are helpless. Having lived with this disease we too need a program of recovery Alanon is that program. I urge you to check out the local face to face meetings in your communityand attend
The hot line number is listed in your telephone directory. Here I learned to break the isolation caused by this disease, develop new tools to live by and finally learned how to focus on myself and to act in my own best interest and not react
Al Anon suggests that you make no major life changes for the first 6 months of program. This is a wise suggestion, since when we first arrive we are in crisis and tend to react to a situation inappropriately.
Take deep breaths, reread the postings on the board, say the serenity prayer, stay in this day only
Do NOT Project to the future or Look into the Past. Take care of you and your family right now as best you can.
we have all been along this trail... if your hubby has realised this for himself it is a great advantage. There are a lot of fears out there about alcoholism- that it ends up on skid row. But drinkers come from each and every walk of life. It is an illness, and it can be arrested. My opinion- keep sharing, and keep coming back.
Welcome Bella...
DavidG.