A couple of recent diaries have left me wondering how many of us have been affected in some way by addiction. I know this is a very personal topic for most - go ahead and vote in the poll but please only leave comments if you feel comfortable with others knowing your situation. I won't be surprised at all if we see lots of votes, but fewer than usual comments.
So I thought we'd take a look at how many of us are in recovery of some sort or another. I hope to compile the results of the other polls I've put up soon.
More after the flip
Some of you know my connection with addiction. My dad died of alcoholism, my ex-stepfather was / is an alcoholic (never in recovery as far as I know), and there are others in my life who can no longer drink safely.
I've been a grateful member of Alanon for 2 & a half years so I'm still a newbie. Still working my way through the steps and finally got a sponsor (too damn shy to ask anyone until recently), and have been working on my 4th step for a long while now. I'm thinking it's time to take a look at the Big Book and give that method a go.
If anyone does leave comments on their experience with addiction, I'm hoping someone might have some advice or anecdotes on how they handled this issue in raising the next generation in their family. My kids are still very young but I can't help but wonder how I'm going to address this issue with them when they're older - without making it a big deal. They've got it coming at them from both sides of the family - mine and my husband's side - so I worry (even though I know there's little use in worrying about things so far down the road).
At any rate - I've learned a lot from the people in my weekly meeting. There are some wonderful AAs and Alanons there - folks who have 20, 30, and even 40 years of recovery under their belt. They've helped me realize that Alanon's not something that helps us figure out how to get (or keep) our alcoholic or addict into recovery - it's there to help us sort things out in our own lives. And one day at a time - I'm getting there.
So - vote in the poll. And please note that by "in recovery" I mean actively participating in some sort of 12-step program (whether it's for food, alcohol, sex or drugs). Please only leave comments if you're comfortable with letting others know your situation.
Peace
UPDATE
I thought I'd include a couple links for anyone who might be interested.
Al-Anon / Alateen Al-Anon / Alateen
Alcoholics Anonymous AA