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.
Last month I discovered a local Al-Anon group and I can already see that this is going to change my life. My husband of 21 years is an opiate addict on maintenance meds, so it never really occurred to me to find an alcoholics anonymous group. He's not an alcoholic. I had looked for a nar-anon group and there isn't one locally. Truth be told - I probably wasn't ready for it before now anyway. I've been in survival mode so long it's just a way of life. But I want more. I've attended some Celebrate Recovery programs (AA with a Christian perspective) and just felt like an outsider looking in. They are for the addict more than the family members, but I love attending anyway - great music, good speakers, etc. I have a counselor and it helps to talk. My friends know, but can't offer much help. My extended family pretends we are normal. I've never had anyone who can say they really understand. Until now. I'm so glad I'm here.
Southern Girl (SG)
PS - I have to confess that it took me a while to figure out that AH was, presumably, Alcoholic Husband. For a minute I was shocked that you guys were being so honest and calling them A** Holes! ~~ blush ~~
Ha ha ha, AH, yeah, I have an AW. Actually she is a Recovering AW, but I haven't had the heart to start calling here a RAW!
I'm glad you found a support group. Going to meetings for the alcoholic is definitely worthwhile, whether AA or CR. But there is nothing like the support you get from a group that is on the same side of the bottle, syringe, whatever as you are. Now you know why we say we are a "grateful" member of Al Anon!
Welcome SG. You're in the right place and at the right time. I think we all have to reach a point of desperation where we know our lives have become unmanageable and we're powerless over the addict and the disease of addiction.
You're not alone anymore. I have alcoholics in my family and a niece who is a heroine addict. From the standpoint of the codependants, it's all pretty much the same chaos.
Welcome SG I am pleased that you had the courage to reach out and share with such honesty. It is so important to break the isolation caused by living with addiction, so that connecting with others who truly understand is a powerful recovery tool.
I believe that you will also find as much support in the alanon meetings in your community. Learning how to keep the focus on ourselves, one day at a time, trusting a Higher Power (HP) and connecting with like minded fellow travelers helps to restore our healthy attitudes as well as our hope and self esteem
Please keep coming back
Keep coming back!