Today we’re talking with Al-Anon members about how Al-Anon helps them deal with holiday drinking problems.
“First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery” from Al-Anon Family Groups is a series of podcasts to discuss some common concerns for people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
No one can control someone else’s drinking. The only thing you can do is get support for yourself. Al-Anon meetings are held year round, including during the holidays. Local members can share with you how they handle the holidays and that might give you some ideas of things you can try as well. To find a meeting in your area, visit https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting.
I just want someone to tell me what to do. My son is 21 and has had serious drug issues but is currently “only” (as far as I know) drinking and smoking pot. He has a job and a place. He’s announced he’s coming to Thanksgiving dinner at my sister’s house — I told him not to show up if he’s stoned — and he said fine, but he’ll bring his own 6-pack. People WILL be drinking at this event, so whether he brings it or not, it will be available. Do I tell my sister and give her the… Read more »
I am better just finding this Facebook page.
My husband and I are 63 and 64 years old and have been living with an alcoholic/drug addicted son for 12 plus years. This son is now 30 and has been in rehab in his early 20s, and has also served some jail time for drug issues and alcohol-related issues. He has always been verbally abusive, but now has become physical with his father. We did call the police last week and he moved out. He has no job so I do not know how long this can last. He called last night asking for money, which we normally give… Read more »
My brother was arrested 12/27/12. He is also a probation violator/absconder. He was driving his car. He doesn’t have my phone number, can’t allow him to have it. Through his daughter’s grandmother, he wants me to go get his car in a grocery store parking lot. My husband of 38 years has never told me “no” about anything. He has now. He told me not to get the car. Let it be towed or whatever. I have told my brother, age 42, that if his car ever got impounded not to call me, that I was done enabling him. I… Read more »
The tools for helping deal with drinking during Christmastime are always valuable to me. I really thank you and appreciate the helpful and honest sharings.
Thanks. That’s why KIS, Keep It Simple, is one of my favorite slogans.
This is just what I needed to hear this morning. Living with active drinking during the holiday season is difficult. What can I change? Only myself and my attitudes are my business. I can accept others for themselves and do my best to know in my heart they are doing the best they can–right now.
Thank goodness for Conference Approved Literature, meetings, sponsors and Al-Anon members!
Holidays–This too shall pass!
Thank you for your post. It is very helpful today as I try to put the holiday season into perspective.
“Let go, Let God” has been an amazing help to me to cope with many difficult situations. The strategy, “Keep it Simple,” is very good to remember right now. The “holidays” are actually two or three days of 8 hours. Not a season of turmoil. My goal is to relax and enjoy those two or three days and not overdo my expectations or planning.
Thank you for sharing this.