Near as I can tell, my mom has been an alcoholic for a large part of my life, only recently called out on it. My dad wants us all to go to Al-Anon meetings, but I'm not really comfortable with it. I don't feel comfortable plugging in to the same meeting that my dad and three siblings do, and I'm not really comfortable with the intentional lack of religious discussion that is foundational to the Al-Anon organization. I would really like to find an intentionally Christian alternative. Can anyone suggest some resources?
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Family Resources/Al-Anon Alternatives
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madison1101
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- Sep 17, 2004
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I have been active in Alcoholics Anonymous for 22 years. Al-Anon uses the exact same 12 Steps as AA, where God is mentioned as "I understand Him," or "a Power greater than ourselves." Today, I was at an AA meeting where Spirituality was the topic, and almost everyone shared how they believe in God.
Some meetings the topic is something else. But, when Spirituality is the topic, it's safe to talk about God as you understand Him.
Have you ever been to Al-Anon, or are you just assuming things? I suggest you try attending a few meetings before judging the organization. Your goal is to make peace with the reality of your mother's alcoholism, utilizing your faith in your God. I suggest you find a different Al-Anon meeting than the one your family attends, and try it for a couple of months. Talk to a few people and learn how they came to terms with their loved ones drinking.
I wish my Mother had gone to Al-Anon, and I wish I had known about Al-A-Teen, because my father was a violent drunk, who attacked my mother many times.
I plan to attend Al-Anon to help me with my son's drinking and heroin addiction, but have to fit it into all the AA meetings I attend.
It's okay for Christians to attend 12 Step meetings. The people there need to see us Christians as real people who struggle with tough things and learn how to utilize our faith in Christ by doing it. I don't preach Christ during the meeting itself. God gives me opportunities in the friendships I form there.
Trish
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I know how hard it is to have an alcoholic parent. Both of mine had the problem. I went to Al Anon for awhile and it helped me. It is basically a spiritual program and the 12 steps do involve God. I wish you all the best with this problem and I am praying for you.
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Luna1991
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Not sure where you're from, but there's a Christian recovery program called 'Overcomers Outreach' which has been set up as a bridge between regular 12 step meetings and the church. Essentially, a meeting for people who share the same 'higher power' to use the 12 step talk.
We have them all over Sydney, thanks to an amazing woman who is a recovering alcoholic and decided to start them here in Aus after travelling around the world to see how they are run in other places. So I don't know ow common they are, but they definitely have them placed in many different countries - worth googling! Hope something comes up
ETA: they are not for any particular addiction, and are open to co-dependants and family and support.
We have them all over Sydney, thanks to an amazing woman who is a recovering alcoholic and decided to start them here in Aus after travelling around the world to see how they are run in other places. So I don't know ow common they are, but they definitely have them placed in many different countries - worth googling! Hope something comes up
ETA: they are not for any particular addiction, and are open to co-dependants and family and support.
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Hi Everyone
I'm very new on here and have just seen the above posts on alcoholic parents. I used to go to AlAnon and it was really useful but now that I can never guarantee childcare in the evenings it's really hard to keep up meetings. I often feel really alone in coping with my mum's drinking and I'd love to know if there are other Christians out there who have parents with alcohol issues.
Having had a beautiful Easter morning in church the end of the day was just disappointment and irritation as I had to leave my parents' home when my mum got hammered. I was left with a feeling of mourning the relationship I wish could have happened with my mother but which never will.
Thanks anyone who reads this x
I'm very new on here and have just seen the above posts on alcoholic parents. I used to go to AlAnon and it was really useful but now that I can never guarantee childcare in the evenings it's really hard to keep up meetings. I often feel really alone in coping with my mum's drinking and I'd love to know if there are other Christians out there who have parents with alcohol issues.
Having had a beautiful Easter morning in church the end of the day was just disappointment and irritation as I had to leave my parents' home when my mum got hammered. I was left with a feeling of mourning the relationship I wish could have happened with my mother but which never will.
Thanks anyone who reads this x
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