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.
...don't ever deny an alcoholic his/her suffering.
This statement is so meaningful to me, as a recovering alcoholic and as a sponsor of an alcoholic.
All the enabling, butt-patting, caretaking and 'rescuing' in the world did not get me sober. Being at a place where I was literally BEATEN down to my knees by my disease was the ONLY thing that got me willing enough to STOP the insanity.
Sure, I hated my family and loved ones at first. Sure I cursed them and begged for mercy and help. Sure, I 'ran away' out of revenge. But in the end, I came walking back (not even crawling), head and heart in the right place, and thanked them.
We have had many celebrations as a family. We celebrated when I got a job and kept it. We celebrated when I got my own place and kept it. We celebrated when I got my 3 months coin, my 6 month coin, and so on. We celebrated when I got my very first sponsee.
And we celebrate every day that we did whatever was necessary as a family, trusting God to take hold of this disease and do with it what HE would have us do.
I have just under 18 months sober. In the past 5 years, I have slipped twice and gotten right back in the saddle. My family did not panic; they just kept going to Alanon and me and God worked my problems out.
The last few weeks has been especially hard for me. At 18 months, I have been triggered a lot lately... and have not understood why. The reality is that I am still an alcoholic, and will have rough patches. But I have NOT picked up...I have used the tools of my program, and I am close to being my normal happy helpful self again, after just a couple of weeks of 'struggling'. I will celebrate the best 18 months yet, in 2 short weeks.
Very grateful to Alanon for encouraging my family to kick me out, then BUTT OUT, and let the miracle begin.
I needed to hear this today. I needed to know what I was trying to do was the right thing. It's so easy to make it all okay for myA...for now. This is what I am so used to doing. And it's so, so tough to do what's right. Thanks for helping me realise I'm on the right path AM
I could listen to you all day I dont care what side you are on you got a good case of recovery and Joni I am praying for this patch you are in to pass ..You have alot og stength and encourgemnt and hope to share and i am glad your big heart shares it
((((Joni)))Great post! I occasionally pop over into the AA side of the board, just to gain some insight into my husband's disease. He is not sober, and does not attend AA anymore since the court-orders were met as far as his attendance in AA, which was due to me filing a domestic violence charge. So, as far as I know, he does not read the AA board, or post there, so it's not like I am trying to check up on him.
I want to congratulate you on your 18 months, and your family and you for celebrating the victories together. I got a little teary-eyed reading your post.
Please continue to come back and give us your opinion "from the other side." It sure helps me, as this disease is so confusing.
I know we are not supposed to take the A's inventory, or try to control them, etc. But, reminders such as the one you posted are very necessary for MY recovery. Thanks.
