Thanks for the kind words. You seem to have them for all of us in
need! I'm trying to muster up the courage for that 1st meeting. I'm
sure I won't be able to do anything but cry. Do you know how to get
the pamphlets other than a meeting? I'm having trouble finding a
location and time that fit. I should probably try the library.
--- In chicagoalanon@yahoogroups.com, "zuppie_2001"
<zuppie_2001@y...> wrote:
>
> Hi Beginner and Welcome to Alanon
> Know you are not alone....Your story seems to hit home with me
too...
> Father, siblings, (one dead), and ex husband......I always say that
I
> love alcoholics...it is true:)
> As for meetings....in Florida the Libraries have a schedule ...and
> also there is help line number in the phone book where someone will
> call you back.
> If you can't find a beginner meeting just go to a regular one...let
> them know you are new...people will probably reach out to you and
> just so much want to help you....Alanon is that way....let them
help
> you. Someday you can give back.
> I was told when I first started Alanon to read the pamphlet on
> Detachment. It is probably found easily at meetings. It helps you
to
> deal with your Alcoholic.
> Alcoholics are not bad people. They are just drunks. They have an
> illness. We have an illness from dealing with them our whole lives.
> We can't get them better. We can just work on us. Get ourselves
> better.
> Alcoholics can be very manipulative. Of course so can we lol..
> But you are not responsible for anyone's drinking. Let's say that
> again...I am not responsible for anyone's behavior but my own.
> And I cannot control anyone's behavior but my own.
> Yes I have found Hope....and Yes I am getting better. You can too...
> It happens slowly....there is a big learning curve...I remember one
> day so long ago just crying when I realized just how sick I was ...
> I had always thought it was just the alcholics who were sick....but
> now I know how a lifetime of this affected me...but we can get
> better....You are in a tough painful place right now....but you
have
> taken the first step...realizing something is not right....and
> wanting to figure out why....Don't stop now....The rewards are
> Beautiful for you....Keep Reaching Out....and as they say in
> Alanon....Keep Coming Back....It Works if you Work It!
> God Bless, (ok may your Higher Power be with you:)
> susie
>
>
> --- In chicagoalanon@yahoogroups.com, "lcd0703" <lcd0703@y...>
wrote:
> > Hello, all. Does anyone have info on where to go in Near North
> > suburbs for good beginner meeting and how to find when they hold
> one?
> > Tried on line directory but they don't list beginner mtgs. This
> > seems a good alternative but does participation drop off in
> summer?
> > The postings seem light lately. Never knew there are 12 steps
for
> > the partner of the alcoholic and hope to gain strength in coping
> with
> > a binge drinker of 20 yrs. Like many, I suspect, he's a good guy
> > when sober, employment has not suffered, no legal trouble, just
> can't
> > control the binges every couple of months. A few weeks of
> moderate,
> > secret drinking leads up to the binge where he now leaves the
house
> > for a weekend, stays in a flea-bag hotel, apologizes minimally
and
> > returns home. He claims he does this to get back at me. He
claims
> I
> > argue all the time. I'm a bit indecisive and need to think (&re-
> > think) many decisions and I see it as thinking to reach the best
> > answer, not arguing. He also says I'm controlling and
suspicious.
> > Isn't that a natural reaction when you've had reason to? I've
> > covered up from our 13 yr old daughter until last time but now
told
> > her the truth. She knew he's an alchoholic but I always covered
> when
> > he left or was sleeping one off making excuses. He says if our
> > marriage was better, he wouldn't drink and I say if he didn't
drink
> > our marriage would be better. There's so much resentment in me
> that
> > built from over the last 15 yrs, I don't know if I can see my way
> > out. He's agreed to try counseling an AA (again) but deep down I
> > think he really wants out of the marriage & is just going thru
the
> > counseling motions. Alcholism is all around me. My Dad died 2
yrs
> > ago from alcoholic renal failure, 2 brothers, and husband. I'd
> love
> > to hear from anyone. Thanks and I hope you're all finding hope
as
> > well since we're all here for similar reasons!