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 haven't written in two months. A major change has taken place in my life and in my alcoholic/addict's life. Right after Christmas he admitted to me that he had stolen some of my prescription medication and took all of it. That was the last straw for me and I moved out three days later.
He started a new program that includes vitamins, supplements, amino acids and a MAJOR and very strict diet change that includes no refined sugar or wheat products. He has been sober for 40 days, has had almost no cravings, and his energy level is higher than it's been in years. He is still getting counseling.
This is such a spectacular change from the past 18 months that we have experienced; lies, rehab, he almost lost his career... it went on and on. I have never endured emotional pain like that.
As a scientist, I have always had my concerns about addiction being treated solely as a mental disease instead of a physical one. This program is a true step in the right direction - it's called Seven Weeks to Sobriety. It is very expensive but the cost of addiction is so much greater.
I don't want to sound like I'm selling this, I just hope that you may be able to find another path for your alcoholic to follow that could change everyone's lives. It has changed my life and my alcoholic's life in the most amazing way in such a short time. We are now on the path to recovering our relationship. I never took the engagement ring off through the whole mess of moving out but am also not planning to move back in for a long time. I love my fiance to pieces but need to see long-term permanent changes. He will always be an alcoholic, I only hope that the alcohol can stay removed from his life permanently. Thanks for listening.
I don't want to sound like I'm selling this, I just hope that you may be able to find another path for your alcoholic to follow that could change everyone's lives.
******I'm very glad your husband has found sobriety and that this program is working so well for him. However, Al Anon is for us to learn how to *stop* trying to help/fix/cure our loved ones addictions.
We can no more get them on the path to this recovery program than we can get them on the path to want to stop drinking/drugging. It has to come from them when they are ready.
This program teaches us that it's not *our* job to find the right path for our alcoholic/addict. For that, I am thankful.
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Kathy S --
~*I trust my Higher Power that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my life today.*~
I think a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle is very important too. I've been told a 100g chocolate first thing in the morning turns to pure alcohol and/or has the same effect (not sure if that's true, but it might be).
I also heard of at least one other case when the woman moved out and/or gave her husband the ultimatum & only this prompted the man to consider treatment 'for real'.
I am so happy for you that these postive changes are going on in your life. I do agree with Kathy though, Al-anon is for us. If my A ever finds sobriety I'll still be in Al-anon -- this program has changed my life. All this program offers me in a way to get my A sober is that "changed attitudes can aide in recovery" -- in other words even by working this program I am not promised recovery for my A, He's got to want it and he's got to do it himself.
Indeed, Al-Anon is for us... Please don't get me wrong - I am still attending local Al-Anon meetings each week. I have received tremendous amounts of support from everyone here at this forum as well as face to face and may not have had the guts to move out if it hadn't been for Al-Anon.
The day I moved out was the day I absolutely stopped trying to fix his problem. I tried to fix him for a year while knowing that my efforts would probably not make a difference. Right or wrong, I do things for the people I love because I love them, not necessarily because it willl fix the problem. But in the end, my addict's decision to try this program was 100% his.
We can't change the world, we can't stop the disease of addiction. But why not share the possibilities with each other? Why not open each other's eyes to a potential method to change the pattern of addiction? It's tearing our families apart and I'm just sick about it. If just ONE person out there can help a loved one, isn't it a win? In my eyes, it is.
I have always had my concerns about addiction being treated solely as a mental disease instead of a physical one.
((((Sally))))) very happy for you and your A. Sounds like this is working well.
I don't know about addiction being treated solely as a mental disease. Since coming to Al-Anon I've learned it is not only a mental, but physical, emotional, and spiritual disease. That all of these need to be "treated" for good recovery.
And yes, I agree with you, it is good to hear about different options that can help if the A is willing to look into them. Personally I feel they still need the 12 step program along with any physical program of health... but hey, whatever works in addressing all 4 sides of the disease is great.
Thanks for your post!
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Let your light shine in the darkness. "I can't just bring my mind to meetings...I must also bring my heart."
I am really glad that you have been able to post about something positive in your life. I am open to alternative therapies and treatments whatever the problem. Can you tell me if the program is just an American one or worldwide? My husband is the A and we live in a small country town with only a counsellor who visits once a month. You know I have often wondered if the alcohol is like a sugar fix because my husband always has had sweet cravings. His alcoholic drink is bourbon. Thanks for posting this it was a great bit of news for you. Luv Leo xx
