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 jump-started into al anon today when I took my husband to the ER for what I thought was pneumonia (bad enough), but was told it was most likely DT related heart arrythmia! We are still awaiting tests to determine if there was any permanent heart damage.
I knew he was a heavy beer drinker, but had no idea (until he told the ER Doc) that he drank 1 or 2 six packs daily!! I also didn't know that he had abruptly stopped drinking. Initially his symptoms presentd like stomach flu, then transformed into the typical flu. When his breathing worsened, I thought it was pneumonia. Sounds like he will be admitted to the hospital for at least a few days.
I have not told my 17-year old boys or extended family yet about the DT/alcoholism factor. I will attend my first local al anon meeting in a day or two, but would appreciate any wisdom, thoughts, suggestions in the meantime.
Welcome to mip. I hope your husband is ok. Maybe this is the wake up call he needed. i wasnt as healthy as you. I was obsessed about my exs drinking, it was all i could think about and i couldnt take my eyes off him so i knew exactly what he was doing and i knew he had a problem right away really. The fact you had no idea is alien to me, i cant relate on that part but i do know alcoholism is a fatal disease and it takes down the loved ones with it if we let it. Im glad you have already decided to go to alanon, you will get support and help there for you which in turn helps the whole family.
The book "Getting Them Sober" by Toby Rice Drews was very enlightening to read for me. Al-anon face to face meetings saved my sanity as well and I am glad you are going to go. I'm also glad you found MIP. Keep coming back. Sending you love and support on your journey!
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Sending you love and support on your journey always! BreakingFree
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 800-344-2666
" Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."
"Serenity is when your body and mind are in the same place."
I knew he was a heavy drinker/alcoholic, but had no idea he was up to 2 six packs a day (I gave up monitoring his drinking years ago), nor that going cold turkey would cause dts and heart failure!
Do I tell my 17 year-olds about the cause of the heart failure now, or give them one more year of childhood? At what point do you get the kids involved?
Lynnly
They are involved already. At 17, they probably know more than you you think. They have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. It would be good for them to know that before experimenting with drinking. Not sure exactly how your family functions so I cannot predict what is best at all. It will be up to you and your husband.
I jump-started into al anon today when I took my husband to the ER for what I thought was pneumonia (bad enough), but was told it was most likely DT related heart arrythmia! We are still awaiting tests to determine if there was any permanent heart damage.