New Alcohol self help

star-X_2

Hi all, thanks for your lovely replies. This is my 2nd day clean, ive just come back from a meeting where i got my just for today medallion, boy dont i feel good. And this morning, wow, waking up actually feeling happy and eager to get out of bed was fantastic, first time since i dont know when, but the first of many, i have got so much achieved today and i feel fantastic, it really is a miracle and all thanks to my higher power and aa. Love to all xxxxx

brodev

Your name says it all. You are a star. Keep it up.

LoopyLinz

Hi folks, never posted on here before so please be kind!

Am looking for some advice more than anything, not sure you will be able to help me.

My Aunt, who I am very close to has told us that she has a problem with alcohol. This has came as no surprise to me as I have suspected this for quite some time (approx 1 year) Until about 6 months ago she had a very well paid job, which she left, although we suspect she was asked to resign. Since this time she has got another job and was fired due to being under the influence. She is married with two children (aged 12 and 15) who I am very close to and see more as a sister and brother to me.

Anyhow....................she has been to her own doctor who has prescribed a course of tablets..........which whilst taking she continued to drink through the entire course. She has attended a 6 week group therapy course, she is seeing a councellor on a one-to-one basis none of which seems to have had any effect. I have been to her house and cleared all of the alcohol away on numerous occassions, she has had all her money, cards, etc taken from her however she still manages to buy/get alcohol from somewhere.

I honestly do not believe she has the desire or want to stop drinking and it is tearing her imediate family and our wider family apart. I suppose what I am asking is what can I do?! Can I do anything to help or is it a case of not being able to do anything until she really wants help?

Im sorry for the ramble just really really needed to get all this off my chest. And give yourself a BIG pat on the back if you are still listening!

Linz xoxox

Bogof_Babe

Hi Linz, welcome to the most supportive thread on the internet! All I can suggest at the moment is the group called (I think) Al Anon, which is for the families of people with alcohol problems. There are many more experienced and knowledgeable people who post on here regularly and I am sure you will get more advice very soon.

You are great to want to help your aunt, but I doubt you can do it alone as she doesn't seem to want to be helped at the moment, so if you can find out about Al Anon (should be on google I'd think) that is a starting point.

Keep posting, we will all help in any way we can.

habibi_2

Hi Linz, well done for posting.

Details of Al-Anon are on the first post of this thread - you can phone the helpline for a chat anytime.

You are right when you say your Aunt has to be ready to have help and you can be there for her then. She will always be able to get alcohol from somewhere. But for now you can continue to be a support to her children so at least you will be helping them.

Good luck, feel free to PM me

brodev

Hi Linz and welcome. Like everybody else I recommend Al-anon for yourself. Watching anybody that you love falling apart due to an illness can be devastating and al-anon offers the support that many find helpful. I am an AA member and I have met many people in AA who came to AA because a family member had previously been to Al-anon. Most alcoholics are magicians when it comes to getting money for drink and, other than nailing them to the floor, there isn't a lot you can do to physically stop them. the fact that your aunt recognises her problen and is seeking help is a MASSIVE step in the right direction. Whether it helps or not I'll remember her in my prayers.

LoopyLinz

Have been reading your responses and I just wanted to say a big big thank you for all your replies. Im am going to have a look at al-anon.

You are all very kind and no doubt I will be back with many more questions. I already feel a lot better having just got some of this off my chest.

Wanting to send you all lots of strength and support in your quests (whatever stage they may be at)

Linz xoxox

habibi_2

How's it going Linz?

Taffyscot

Brod I look forward to meeting you. I am envious I am really fed up of the rain and wind even tho I love Largs I am getting really miserable about the weather. Please do try and meet before either one of us goes wandering off again.
Take care
Taffy
On a personal note the weather here is lovely and I am having a ball. Taffy I'll see you in Largs in a couple of weeks[/quote]

feelinggood_2

I'm now sponsor-less. Not told her yet, but after what feelings like another abandonment, I cannot carry on with the relationship. I'm still pretty hurt at the moment, but when I'm calmer and a bit more 'stable', I shall phone her and let her know that while I appreciate all she has done for me, I don't feel comfortable now, and I think its for the best if she is no longer my sponsor.