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.
Hello, I am not too sure how this works, first time to Al-Anon and was looking for someone to chat with. I have heard how much this program can help, I am doing this for myself as well as my loved one. I need help to understand what they are going through. Thanks!
Welcome, Becks! There is a great community here, and I would suggest starting with posting on the Al-Anon Family Group forum -- it's just above this Business forum. Post about what's going on for you, and people will respond.
Aloha Becks and welcome to the Board. You will find lots of experienced feed back to your concerns here. Many of us have been in the program for years and as a result enjoy the peace of mind, Experience, Strength and Hope we need to stay mostly clear of the insanity of the disease of alcoholism and addiction (actually one and the same) that is part of the fatal nature of this disease. Stick around with patience and an open mind. Don't hesitate to ask for help daily if necessary and when you can reach out to others to pass on what you learned that works for you. Take what you like...leave the rest. Keep coming back. (((hugs)))
Welcome Becks! You found a board that will offer support, understanding and encouragement. Our stories are all different, yet the same when it comes to living with the effects of alcoholism.
Ellen
Yep, it's always nice to know what they are going through - maybe 10% focus.... :)
Hopefully you'll come to the realization that 90% of your focus is on you, and what YOU are going through, how you are managing/coping, and learning the skills to feel more serenity. Your A has his/her program for them - you'll learn that Al-Anon (and the support of this board) is more about you.
All good, and keep coming back
Hugs,
Tom
__________________
"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
If you haven't already, try getting to some face-to-face meetings. Online message boards are a good companion to face-to-face meetings but I encourage you to step out and experience live meetings.
I too send a welcome to you Becks! Glad you found us and glad that you joined right in. I second Aloha's suggestion to seek out and attend local Al-Anon meetings, a/k/a F2F (Face to Face). Most communities have them and trying a few will hopefully help you find a group close by if ever in need.
Al-Anon is for anyone who is affected or concerned by drinking in a family member of friend. We work the 12 Steps of our program, focus on ourselves and learn how to use a variety of tools to heal from and deal with the way the disease has affected us. Keep coming back - there is always hope and help in recovery.
If you look around this site, at the top left, you'll see a schedule for online meetings held here. There's also a link to the meeting/chat room. At the top right, you'll see a link to the Step Work Board. It will give you more details/information on the steps we use. Ask any questions you have and know you're not alone!
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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
Hiya Becks...When I first started I felt like I was in an ocean with no life raft in sight, so I just surfed the posts, commented on some, then finally I shared about me and it took off from there...then I got into the steps, sponsor, etc., but its a process...I'm glad you found yourself here..You will get lots of support and some great examples on how this program works miracles....I NEVER thought i could/would forgive my alcoholic mom, but I HAVE...I love her memory and I see that she was a victim of DV as we kids were and hence the drinking to escape...i was sooo angry and hate filed at her for sooo long and now I am not..i am totally free of any resentments, bitterness regarding her...I now have good memories...Alanon helped me to do that...one day at a time.....you are SO not alone
