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04-07-2011, 10:33 AM
Alcoholism Was My Disease, And I Didn't Even Drink Alcohol
What was wrong with me? Why did I have to be so perfect? Why couldn't I just relax and be still? Why did I need so much reassurance? Why was the world so dark and gloomy? And why was I always so scared? I took care of others, so why didn't they love me? I was exhausted, defensive, and I needed something -- but what was it?
I went to Al-Anon, but with no hope. Alcoholism negatively affected my attitudes. I used all my energy reacting to the alcoholic's behaviors instead of knowing how to act on my own. I had no idea who I was, what I liked, or what was good for me. I had lost all faith that there was anyone or anything that could help me.
When I walked into my first Al-Anon meeting, the members accepted me immediately. No one had ever listened to me the way those people did -- without interruptions, comments, or criticisms. They helped me after the meeting by answering some of my questions and giving me literature to take home and read. They asked me to keep coming back. They didn't seem like strangers at all. For the first time in my life, I actually felt wanted and cared for. They listened!
I showed up at Al-Anon without hope, but left my first meeting riding on a cloud. Love is what was missing from my life and love is exactly what the members gave me.
M.W. - Florida
Reproduced with permission
What was wrong with me? Why did I have to be so perfect? Why couldn't I just relax and be still? Why did I need so much reassurance? Why was the world so dark and gloomy? And why was I always so scared? I took care of others, so why didn't they love me? I was exhausted, defensive, and I needed something -- but what was it?
I went to Al-Anon, but with no hope. Alcoholism negatively affected my attitudes. I used all my energy reacting to the alcoholic's behaviors instead of knowing how to act on my own. I had no idea who I was, what I liked, or what was good for me. I had lost all faith that there was anyone or anything that could help me.
When I walked into my first Al-Anon meeting, the members accepted me immediately. No one had ever listened to me the way those people did -- without interruptions, comments, or criticisms. They helped me after the meeting by answering some of my questions and giving me literature to take home and read. They asked me to keep coming back. They didn't seem like strangers at all. For the first time in my life, I actually felt wanted and cared for. They listened!
I showed up at Al-Anon without hope, but left my first meeting riding on a cloud. Love is what was missing from my life and love is exactly what the members gave me.
M.W. - Florida
Reproduced with permission