March 2, 2010 — There have been two significant periods in my life when I thought alcohol was just what I needed to make everything right...to make me feel accepted...to ease my worries...to you name it...I thought during these periods that alcohol was the answer. During these times there was always something that came along that was better and I was able to temper my use of alcohol...I guess I never became truly addicted...and I guess I was just plain lucky in that.
For others the story is not so lucky. For some their addiction runs deep. Whether it is an alcohol or meth or other substance addiction, they are in a battle to survive. I have been fortunate to know several recovering addicts. I say fortunate because their story of recovery is truly remarkable and it all centers on Alcoholic Anonymous' 12 Step Program. It is a story we can all learn from.
Karen and I know a married couple that are good friends. This couple has been in successful recovery for the past sixteen years. They have never been reluctant to talk about their story of addiction...how their life while in the grip of drugs and alcohol was worthless...how they felt that they were not worthy of anything. Even with two children the most important thing in their life for so long was just when were they going to be able to get high again. It took its toll until they found AA and sobriety. The wonderful thing about this recovery is it has been going on for sixteen years and they remain committed to AA and the 12 Step Program. Today they own their own successful business and enjoy being grandparents. Theirs is a great story.
I have had family members that have gone into recovery from an addiction. With these family members the story is much like our married couple friends. Something led them to find that there is a better life than the one they were leading in their addiction. Each found the 12 Step Program, each found a way to combat their addiction, and each found a way to keep from dying.
Now comes another family member that is battling addiction. This hits close to home to one that is in a close knit family and so many of us are. We look for easy answers and there are none. We may seek ways to help and there are many. Love and understanding are the most important of these. I recently visited this family member where they are going through rehab and was struck by two things. First I saw a determination in this person's eyes that said volumes about what they need to do. Secondly, I asked what their plans were after rehab. They grabbed hold of the AA book in front of them and said..."it's all in here." It's all in the 12 Step Program and within them self. My family member needs the love and understanding that only a family can give to help them along their recovery road. They need the love and understanding of others that are recovering. With all of this support, their story of recovery will also be a successful one...it's what really matters!
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Great article, Terry. I hope that your family member has a quick recovery and is accepting of your love and support. You are right, they all need love and understanding but that alone is not enough. I know several people that have turned their lives around through AA. It is a great program but the hardest part is the first step. Best of luck to your family member.
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