I want to thank everyone that told me to hit Al-Anon

[Robb]

I actually went to the meeting last night. It's a small-town affair, half-dozen folks or so. Of course, I knew everyone there. And of course, none of them were surprised to see me. :)

I mostly listened, but ultimately spoke.

Anyhow, good stuff. Thanks. :grouphug:

[lizziegrace]

1. Good for you

:grouphug:

[Richardo]

2. Excellent, Robb

:hug:

[graywarrior]

3. Glad to hear that.

It sure keeps the focus on yourself.

[Robb]

24. Indeed

Today I found myself carefully packing her things up, not waiting any more for her to get around to it.

I can't change her, but I can behave well myself.

[raccoon]

4. I attend myself, have been for some time. I've learned a lot

in Al Anon.

I've said, more than once, that everybody who has to work need to go to Al Anon. :silly:

Glad you went.

[NewWaveChick1981]

5. It really does help.

:hug: :hi:

[marzipanni]

6. Sorry, I missed your previous thread. Would you guys recommend

Al Anon meetings for me? I have a friend who went to a month of rehab a year ago, was doing well but recently started drinking a little beer and the other day admitted she drank vodka again. I told her I would stay with her son while she goes to AA meetings, and she has gone to AA in the past, and seems to want to try it again. I don't know how to help her other than that.

[NewWaveChick1981]

7. If you have a relative or friend with an alcohol problem, AlAnon

is a big help. :) The meetings offer advice and strategies for coping with and dealing with the issues that come up with alcohol addiction. So many people want to help their loved ones in situations like that but don't know how, and since alcoholism and other forms of addiction present special problems, having outside help is often necessary. :)

[marzipanni]

9. Thanks, NWC1981.

I'll go to AlAnon and encourage her to go back to AA meetngs.

[graywarrior]

12. You could try some open AA meetings yourself to see what

your up against.

[marzipanni]

31. I went to an AA meeting with a friend in high school many years ago,

out of curiosity. Then later recommended OA to a relative who had great success with the program.
Alcohol has caused too many people I know too much grief. :(

[graywarrior]

33. The ism is everywhere...even among the people we admire.

It's a teacher as well as a destroyer.

[Deep13]

8. The talking is helpful.

I don't see what purpose the 12 steps serve.

[Robb]

10. Other than structure I'm not sure yet either

...although I expect all will be revealed. :)

But the talking's invaluable. It's helping me realize I'm not in a particularly unique situation, and that others have come out the other side, so to speak.

[kwassa]

17. All will be revealed.

There is a huge amount of wisdom and experience in the twelve steps that is not at all obvious when you start.

It is also worthwhile to visit different meetings to get a variety of different experiences.

I'm glad you went, Robb. Keep coming back, as they say.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

11. Let me guess: you started saying:

"My name is Robb, and I am a dingbat." :thumbsup:

[Love Bug]

26. No, that would be DA - Dingbats Anonymous

Silly Commie! :spank:

On Edit: All kidding aside -- we're glad you went, Robb. Hope it helps you.

[SeattleGirl]

13. I'm so glad you went, Robb.

:hug:

[Left Is Write]

14. ...

:hug:

[ThomCat]

15. Good for you!

:hug:

I think the group support is much more useful than the 12 steps. But lacking any alternatives, 12 step programs are good.

[kwassa]

19. 12 step groups are group supports

and sponsership is the best of all. Someone who has been where you are now.

[ThomCat]

21. Yes, I know.

My point was that the of the things that a 12 step program does, it is the individual support more than the 12 step structure that does the most good.

[Phillycat]

22. I haven't found that.

I'm a recovering alcoholic, and I would have died without the 12 steps of AA.

[Name removed]

23. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[u4ic]

16. I'm glad you're finding

the support you need, Robb.

Sending you lots of good vibes. :grouphug:

[Ariana Celeste]

18. Good for you...

I have gone to AA (in support), Al-Anon, and Alateen... As a teenager. Alateen pissed me off because it seemed to be nothing more than daycare for the AA and Al-Anon's kids... and I needed real support you know? So I went to Al-Anon with my mom instead... and it helped.
It's not for everyone... but sometimes you just need to know you are not alone... hear the stories of other people and share your own... I hope that it helps you!

:hug:

[Kajsa]

20. That's great, Robb!

There is a lot of good fellowship and
support at the meetings.

;-)

[flamingyouth]

25. Glad you went, Robb!

Al-Anon was a great help to me. :hug:

[Zomby Woof]

27. I hope this works for you

You are the best judge of what works best for you, and if this is successful, all my best!

[Dangerously Amused]

28. Best to you.

:hug:

[bigwillq]

29. Good for you.

Good luck. :hi: :hug:

[tjwmason]

30. Great to hear.

It's bound to be difficult for you, but you can pull through. :hug:

[skygazer]

32. It's always good to know you're not alone

And that there are others who understand what you're going through. I think that's the hardest thing when we have to deal with any sort of personal challenge - that feeling of isolation, that no one really knows what it's like.

I'm glad you went and got some positive things out of it. :hug:

[wildhorses]

34. the twelve steps............

are a very personal journey. therefore, they are as meaningful as you make them. You get out what you put in...



:yourock: