Alanon?

[rosie]

Hi,

I have read people talk about alanon on here, and yesterday I saw a comment about alanon being for co-addicts/ of those with addiction, can't remember who.

My father was/is an alcoholic and having a SA husband, I wondered if it might be worthwhile going to something like this?

Does anyone know much about these groups?

Thanks. x

[JenMac]

Hi Rosie!
Mac and I are members of Alanon and have been for about 6 - 7 years. We have learned so much from Alanon along the way. It has given us many tools to deal with not only the problem related to alcohol but in this situation as well.
Alanon is about working on yourself first and how that can translate to others around you as well. It is based on the 12 steps as are many other anon or AA groups.
I believe everyone could benefit from an Alanon program. It gives us many skills that we can use throughout our lives.
Hope this helps!
Jenn

[rosie]

Thanks Jenn, I guess I felt silly if I turned up and wasn't an alcoholic.

12 Steps is fine by me. Sounds good. I just want to find others to connect with in the flesh. Mainly for myself.

Are all groups the same or is there a particular branch of alanon for partners/Children of alcoholics.

I have googled - not being lazy, I guess I just want to hear personal accounts because it's all a bit daunting.

[JenMac]

Hi rosie,
Alanon is not for alcoholics, it is for family members, spouses, friends etc. of alcoholics.
The principles learned in Alanon will teach you how to live your life in a more peaceful way. It will teach you how to detach lovingly from your loved one and how not to take on their battles while building your own strength and courage. It will teach you how to trust yourself, how to learn to rely on yourself, how to fill yourself up from the inside out.
It has been a blessing in my life.
Well worth the effort to check it out rosie. They suggest committing to at least 6 meetings to get the true flavour as meetings are different each week.
I feel like TTF is a lot like my Alanon program but they are both so worthwhile in their own way. And yes, it is great to connect with real life people!
All the best!
Jenn