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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> 1/24/23 ODAT Alcoholism – a Disease?
Post Info TOPIC: 1/24/23 ODAT Alcoholism – a Disease?
Enigmatic


~*Service Worker*~

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Date:
1/24/23 ODAT Alcoholism – a Disease?
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Today's page considers alcoholism as a disease, something that cannot be controlled by will power alone. If that is so, why do I perhaps act toward the alcoholic like it can be?

Reminder - 'Arguments are useless against sickness.' Compassion and understanding are powerful and helpful because they teach me not to punish. Even if this Alanon approach does not bring change in the alcoholic, it will bring me peace and strength.

"I pray to remember, every day,  every hour, and especially in times of crisis, that hostile behavior on my part will only add fuel to a fire that could destroy us both."
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I've seen people get caught up in the technical debate about alcohol as a disease or not. To me, it doesn't really matter because my Alanon recovery is not about the alcoholic, it's about me: my internal perspectives and how I interact with others. 

The perspective of Alcoholism as a disease helps me to show grace when I might otherwise not, to see the need and benefit of compassion rather than my first choice: anger.

Still a struggle, but much, much better when I remember that I am powerless, as they are, against alcohol. I didn't cause, can't control or cure it, but with the help of my higher power, I don't need to try.

Grateful for the reminders  

 



__________________

Paul

"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives."  - Paths to Recovery 
SunnyFrog


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Good morning

This sure is a timely reading for me, I needed this reminder today.

Something I am guilty of is picking and choosing which A's I have compassion for and which I hold the belief that alcoholism is a disease. Seems kinda silly now that I have said that,if I believe it's a disease for one family member and have empathy for them it's so messed up to not feel and believe that for another.

Have a good day

__________________
DM2021


~*Service Worker*~

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Posts: 744
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Grateful reminder indeed Paul, thank you for your service and to you and SunnyFrog for both your ESH.

Remembering the disease of alcoholism affects the mind and body of the active drinker in my life on a

daily basis definitely reins in my disappointment when there is unkind words spoken in that it is easier

for me to walk away without feeling resentment. I still don't like it of course, but I no longer feel like

it is my fault, because I know the drinkers triggers and do avoid them. Most times the chaos arrives

so unexpectedly and takes me by surprise but am so much more calm about it and just walk away

without engaging.

__________________

"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it

does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown

Debbie
tiredtonite


Senior Member

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Thanks Paul and everyone for your shares. Everyone has their own belief as to whether alcoholism is a disease. Choosing to keep an open mind about it as a newcomer helped to lift my anger and resentment, my own "dis-ease"  so I might find acceptance and begin my own healing through the grace of a loving higher power. For that, I'm very grateful.



__________________

Surround yourself with people and elements that support your destiny, not just your history.
DM2021


~*Service Worker*~

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Posts: 744
Date:
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I know that Al-Anon says that the focus should not be on the alcoholic but on ourselves who

are trying to recover from those alcoholic's effects on our lives. What I have come to learn,

because I once worked for the health department before I retired, that when I need to

understand anything of a medical nature I turn to the National Institute of Health. What I

learned there is that alcohol accelerates the aging of older brains, it causes severe vitamin

deficiencies, it atrophies the cerebral area of the brain and affects a multitude of glands

that control hormones which contributes to brain changes and overall health of that persons

body. I did not want to believe that alcoholism was a disease in itself, but what it does do

is disease the body. That is just me seeking answers, please do not think that I am

preaching. Knowing how and why helps me to make better strides in my recovery.

__________________

"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it

does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown

Debbie
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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> 1/24/23 ODAT Alcoholism – a Disease?