I will never forget the words I heard at my first Al‑Anon meeting. A member shared the three Cs regarding alcoholism: I didn’t cause it; I can’t control it; and I can’t cure it. I had attended Al‑Anon several years before when my children were young, but I thought I had no problem— my husband did. I left feeling it wasn’t for me. I reached another pit of despair when I found I was the mother of an alcoholic and drug addict. So, there I was, at my first meeting again.
Those three Cs were amazing to me. With them, I felt like a ton of weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I felt so light and free and relieved. I continue to come back, share, and live my program. I am so grateful for Al‑Anon, my serenity, and all my Al‑Anon friends.
By Gerri D., British Columbia
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2020
We will be married 55 years in November. I used to have a drinking problem and hide the Vodka (until it was found and I was confronted). That was at least 30 years ago. Now, my husband gets falling down drunk and needs help to get back on his feet. Luckily, I have friends who are willing to help me get him off the floor. Last week, he fell holding a vodka bottle as he attempted to bring it into the garage for disposal. He has a two inch gash on his arm and is black and blue from wrist… Read more »
My fiancé is an alcoholic and he relapses very often. We don’t live together but been together 6 years. I suffer from depression and anxiety myself which has worsened since covid outbreak. This weekend was the first weekend I’ve reached breaking point and went home because my fiancé was so out of it with drink. He doesn’t live alone but with an older housemate who he’s been with for many years. I felt guilty for leaving and like I had abandoned him yet I had to do it for my own sanity and had the backing of his housemate and… Read more »
I am experiencing a situation with my 45 yr old son who has a history of alcoholism to my knowledge he has been sober for the last 14 years lives currently by himself & I found his lack of communication with me as odd. He was worried early March about the spread of Covid as he works in construction field which kept going on here through the shutdown…I began to worry when he was not answering my calls & texts & discovered he stopped working because he was afraid of getting Covid early March. Several weeks passed to make the… Read more »
My son relapsed and is drinking again. He has been laid off from his job since the whole Covid-19 situation, so he’s been sleeping on our couch. I have to tell him he has to leave, but as his mother, I just don’t know how to do it!! He went to rehab and had 6 months sober. He’s the exception, though… he “can handle it, and only drink a little bit.” I miss the sweet, funny man he is when he’s not drinking. I had that guy back for a few months, but now he’s gone again and has been… Read more »
Although many of us are practicing social distancing and are unable to get out to attend face-to-face meetings, that does not mean we are isolated from support. Al-Anon Family Groups offer a large list of electronic meetings on a variety of platforms, including email, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, and phone. In addition, the meetings are available at all hours of the day, and some even 24 hours a day. Technology has made it possible for us to stay connected. All we have to do is reach out. Please visit our Electronic Meetings page for more resources.
I am new to this. Not sure where to start. My husband agreed to go into a rehab center and go thru medical detox. He has been drinking for 40+ years every day, it seems to be a family demon, all his siblings have difficulty as well. He cut back or I guess I should say I cut him back to only a certain number of beers a day about a month ago. Found him sneaking from the hard liquor cabinet, which we keep a few things for guests but we don’t drink, and I flipped out. Pretty much told… Read more »
I appreciate the reminder of the 3Cs, so thanks! I, too, understand how the alcoholic’s drinking affects the family, and our emotional and physical health. It can be devastating. Yet, I’m reminded that I am NOT alone in this, and that as long as I use the Al-Anon tools and connect with others in this wonderful fellowship, I CAN overcome and grow. “One day at a time” helps a lot, and whenever I share that slogan with anyone, I see a recognition in the person’s eyes, or hear it in their voice that they know exactly what I mean. It… Read more »
I totally agree with Diana.. my husband has relapsed and trying to destroy and take all we have worked hard for
I think this may be just what I need to look into. I am at my wits end with my husband’s drinking. He is destroying us and all that we were.