Wednesday, October 7, 2009

If you think you have a problem

This isn't meant to be a public service announcement although it may come across like that. I occasionally get emails from people who ask questions about recovery or ask me for my thoughts about a particular thing going on in their lives. I respond with what my experience has been. I can't give advice because I don't have answers for anyone else. Some days I don't have any for me either.

Yesterday I got a comment from a person who is concerned that she is an alcoholic. A lot of you who read this blog offered up hope. I really appreciate that. I am not qualified to share my experience to an alcoholic, other than to say that there is a wealth of information online. Most of the blog links listed on my sidebar will put a person in contact with those who have many years in recovery from alcoholism. Please read their blog and contact them because they understand as few others can what alcoholism is.

There are thousands of people who have been helped through Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is a link to a pamphlet called the AA Program of Recovery. There is much more information on the AA web site.

I know for myself that one of the best things that I ever did was to admit that I needed help because I had lived around alcoholics for all of my life. They didn't make me sick. I did that to myself by trying to control their drinking. So if you have a spouse, friend or relative who is alcoholic and you are troubled by their drinking, there is help for you through Al-Anon. Here is a link to determine whether Al-Anon is for you.

So if you think that you have a problem, either from drinking or from living around it, there is a solution. I hope that you will talk to someone in a recovery program. Going to an AA or Al-Anon meeting is an important step.

13 comments:

  1. Your blog has always been a source for information for me Syd. If I have never told you that before, there it is.

    Thank you for your service to others.

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  2. You carry the message well, Syd. Nice job.

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  3. good post Syd, I am not an alcoholic, have been around them, and one has died just from that at the young age of 52. I find you site comforting and helpful to me, helping me understand, and deal with general things in my life other than alcoholics. My dear sister lost her husband as he refused to give up drinking and now she like you is a big help in the AA meetings and met new friends.
    Bless you and thanks for all your words of wisdom and referrals
    Happy weekend

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  4. Thanx for this, Syd - spot on.

    The only thing I'd like to add is that AA does not have the corner on the market for recovery. As an alcoholic who's recovered in the program of AA (>25 years since my last drink + a truly amazing life), I also know there are other solutions to alcoholism that have worked for other people.

    The main message I'd like to carry to anyone who thinks they have a problem with drinking is that you don't have to die from the disease of alcoholism.

    Since 1935, AA has worked for millions of alcoholics like me but, if you don't find what you need in our program, please find another solution. Again, the web might be a resource, or you could ask a doctor, therapist or clergyman their experience.

    In my opinion, Alcoholism is the most treatable fatal disease on the planet - you don't have to die from it.

    Blessings and aloha...

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  5. If my experience can help one person see that Alanon is a program that can help them like it has helped me, than one of my prayers is answered. Thanks for sharing your es&h, syd.

    Namaste

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  6. Loved Ed G's comment...and the blog roll alone offers a tremendous number of resources to go to. Still admitting we are powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable is the foundation, imo.

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  7. As always you are there to share the message and the hope that is there in the world. Thank you Syd...you always amaze me and thank you!!!
    Gabi

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  8. your humility always astounds me. you have a wealth of information, through experience, and you readily and willingly share so much of yourself. thank you for that.

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  9. Always with the outstretched hand...'tis a good sign of a good program. Thanks, Syd.

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  10. You never know who you're helping. The most astounding difference we make in anothers life is the one we have no idea about.

    I remember asking someone if they thought I was an alcoholic. His reply was if you have to ask, more than likely yes. However he said, he couldn't give me that answer, I had to find that one from somewhere inside. (Hugs)Indigo

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.