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 went into the chat room om 12/09/06 and there was a discussion about an active A and methodone and drugs should this be talked about on the main chat room or should it have been a private chat as any new al-anon member coming in would be confused. I do have sympathy as i have active drug abuse in my family but i talk to my sponsor about tht . It is in the traditions that we do not dilute our fellowship by discussing other addictions
I have assumed one substance abuse is similar to another, and the effect on those who love the abusers is the same. I haven't felt it inappropriate to have open chat about drugs. It's open chat. The trout gets a lot of air time, likewise other fun topics. In our chatroom it's not all alcohol all CAL all the time. My opinion --- Jill
Since the other fellowships for those with addictions are so much smaller than alanon, sometimes alanon is the only option. I know I used to go to a Naranon forum - there would be a new post about every two weeks or so. Personally I do not feel that talking about drugs dilutes our program - the program is about US and how we deal with the addicted behaviour of our loved ones. The details of thieir addictions are just that, details.
Having been there when the chat was going on, I can say in detail that the conversation is being taken out of context.
Firstly, the young woman is married to an individual with an extensive history of substance abuse and was distraught to find that, not only was he abusing alchol and drugs, but now she had found perscriptions that were not his in his posession. She was concerned that he was now stealing perscription drugs and abusing these too.
Secondly, the young woman was also concerned about any legalities involved. Because the perscription was not for her or her husband, she was scared for his well being and if there were any laws being broken.
Lastly, this young woman is fairly new to al anon, and is working the concept of detachment as best she can, as she grows more secure in some of the concepts that, at one time, were very foregin to us too. She was trying to practice detachment, trying to "let go, let god" and trying to surrender her husband to his higher power, but needed to know that she was facing a common problem in the arena of substance abuse.
As for the idea of adhering to the traditions, any time a new comer has come and has asked "Am I in the right place?" they have always been recieved with a resounding "YES!" No newcomer, be their loved one involved in drugs or alchol abuse has ever been turned away, nor have they ever felt the need to leave this site because of the specific substance their loved one abuses. They take what they like and leave the rest, knowing that the spiritual tool kit of al anon is availible for anyone who is willing to place their insanity in the care of a power greater than themselves.
I strongly suggest you keep an open mind and an open heart, as any more alcholism is not strictly limited to drinking but abusing a wide spectrum of substances, including perscriptions, illict street drugs, and legalized narcotics. Families of these abusers suffer as much as we Al Anons and need to be assured that there is hope for the their hurting.
