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 know AlAnon is for people whose lives are affected by Alcoholism...but I think this means the Alcoholic is still alive. What organization (online or other) is there for those whose relative succumbed to the disease? Grief support groups generally seem to be geared toward a different kind of death (death after long illness, accident, or I know there are grief groups specifically geared toward helping the survivors of a suicide).
Death by overdose is sortof all of those......but very different.
Alcoholism has a lower life expectancy than average, being affected doesnt end with death. I dont believe we ever get over it, we just learn to live with the effects. My alanon group has many people who are widows and widowers. Its life long this program if we want to make progress.
My son passed from this disease over eight years ago , and Al-Anon , the principles , the tools , the members were my greatest source of comfort and empathy. I don't believe any institution or grief support group would understand the disease of alcoholism or the grief involved when one passes from this disease any better than members who are living with this disease.
I no longer live with the disease of alcoholism, however it is alive and well in my immediate family and I attend Al-Anon meetings, 2 to 3 times a week in order to keep my sanity and live life to the fullest.
I like the post. It reveals to me that while my family suffered more than our share of life losses due to alcoholism and drug addiction might we have experience more relief with sadness than grief. Alcoholism wasn't the same as cancer loss or tuberculosis loss victims actually experienced relief when the alcoholic/addict died. Alcoholism in my family made many very sick while taking the life of the addicted. We often had the "immoral" perception. ((((hugs))))
I think you will find many people in Al-anon who have lost a love one to the disease. It's a safe space for you to grieve and get unconditional, non judgemental support. Stay strong, remember we have nothing but love for you. <3<3<3
While Al-anon is not just about grief, and a grief support group will help I think you will still benefit from Al-anon. I know of people who are in groups that are no longer with their qualifier but they continue with Al-anon for themselves.
__________________
-- ladybug
We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
I just wanted to add that with the loss of a child the" Compassionate Friends " groups are a powerful resource . They hold meetings in most communities and even after 8 years I receive a card on my sons's birthday-- simply remembering him.
Thank you all who replied. My sil's nephew, age 36, overdosed and my brother said his dad is feeling a lot of guilt about not having been able to do something to prevent it
