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.
The C2C reading for November 7 speaks about alcoholism as a family disease. It points out that this disease not only affects the drinker but those who care about them and live with them . Some of us have absorbed alcoholic thinking that has been passed on from generation to generation. This thinking has distorted or reality and given us defected coping tools
By attending Al-Anon we have committed ourselves to" Breaking" these unhealthy patterns. As we continue to attend meetings, begin to heal and find sanity we begin to feel much better about ourselves We are no longer playing our own role in the alcoholic drama and so the entire family situation begins to change.
When I give up worrying about everyone else focus on my own health. I give others the freedom to consider their own recovery.
The quote is from living with sobriety; "if one person gets well the whole family situation improves."
I can't believe I am up this early. Thanks for the post Betty. I am learning to accept the fact that alcoholism is a family disease & that we have a tendency to shoe it more obvious than the alcoholic. I have to stay away from denial & realize how much alcohol has affected my every day life. It is cunning & powerful & does not discriminate.
There is no doubt that an alcoholic leaves many emotional problems in their wake, not only for themselves but for all that are close to them. Al-Anon has helped me to take back my life, dignity and sanity. It works when you work it!!
-- Edited by Debb on Saturday 7th of November 2015 12:04:00 PM
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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it
does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown
I'm playing catch up since I was away for the weekend. I heard about the family concept many moons ago when I chose recovery. However, I don't think I fully accepted that until I watched my sons fall into this disease. They had never seen me under the influence of anything, we never had 'it' around and I did my best to share/communicate the risks they may face based on their acquired gene pool.
However, it didn't stop the disease from striking them. And - even though I had a 12 Step program and even though I had a HP and worked a program, I became as crazy as anyone who did not.
In doing research within my own family, I discovered both my grandfathers were alcoholic. Both of my parents are untreated ACOA(s). They are lovely, lovely people and I love them dearly! However, they passed along many of their coping mechanisms to my generation without intent, knowledge or effort.
Breaking the cycle of this disease is way complicated. I am so grateful that I have this program and I can maybe make a dent. I agree - so cunning and powerful - and just for today, I'll do my best to be different and do different.
(((Hugs))) to all!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
