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've just joined both forums as I don't know which is right for me. I went to an ACoA meeting twice before. I got uncomfortable because no one talked to me nor really explained the format. Everyone gathered around in a circle kind of tranced. Each took a turn talking. I knew none of them enough to say anything. I just sat there feeling stupid and frustrated.
I expected people talking or being more interactive I guess. I was afraid and never went back. Maybe the format of the ACoA meetings is different than Al-Anon meetings?
I'm at a point in my life where I want to deal with an alcoholic mother, her voyeur alcoholic husband and the way she's always treated me like a second class citizen. My mother says I'm bitter, too serious and in need of mental help. She is said to be going to AA for six months but they treat me the same. This is affecting my personal relationships.
Can any of you explain the difference between your programs and give me recommendations?
I have never been to an acoa meeting. But in al-anon meetings we do not allow crosstalk. Each person gets the chance to speak without being interrupted. We also learn to listen to others. Each person takes their turn or may pass. If you were new this could have been explained better. Sorry you felt frustrated. Every meeting is a little bit different because of the people involved. Al-Anon recommends trying 6 different meetings to find one that is right for you.
Hope this helps you...keep coming back it works if you work it.
i'm with you. I went to al-anon meeting and was feeling the same. I need discusion, not just sit in room and dont get a chance to say to other what i think or get opinion from other people. Of course you have chance to talk to them after the meeting, but that is little late for me. I never went back. Im here alot and find this easier. You get lots of advice and support. Its a great start. My recovery is in my hands and i choose not to go to f2f (face to face) meetings. Works for me, you might be different. But what ever feel right for you, stick with it, maybe in couple of months you will want to try it again.
Hello Carrie , I am not the child of an A so not much help there except to say that there are alot of reg al anon members who are and seem to be finding what they need in our meetings. Al-Anon adult children I understand is diff from reg ACOA meetings following more of the Al-Anon format. I have several friends in program who have done the adult childrens meetings and said the only problem is that it is easy to get stuck in the past and not move on . So choose your meetings wisley.
I would suggest that y ou try some meetings and see how u like them listen to the similarities and dismiss the difference , some are married , some not , some are siblings of, m others of , and children of A's . You will find another adult child to relate too and can pursue a friendship from there. We can all heal together Louise
Here is the international info number for us and canada 1-888-4alanon they will give u contact numbers and locations of meetings for your area = and u can ask if there is a Al-Anon adult childrens meeting in your area.
