Beside the addict and or alcoholic we usually find family being seriously affected, that being mom, dad, sister, brother, wife, husband, aunt and or uncle the list goes on...living with despair and hopelessness that the addict/alcoholic will never stop.
We spend long periods of our lives, focusing on them and their problem. Thinking of ways to cure them
of their disease and not really believing that they have a serious disease. We believe that we can do
something to make them stop. We put our lives on hold and focus only on the addict/alcoholic and become
as sick as they are. We often forget about our emotional needs and taking care of ourselves, and even
worse, the loved ones that are always present in our daily lives.
We are only responsible for ourselves, by letting go of the illusion of having control over the addict/alcoholic
and their actions -- we find that an enormous burden lifted off our shoulders and realize the power that
we posses over ourselves; only then do we define the missing pieces and begin living our own lives.
The (Addict/Alcoholic needs to take responsibility) for their own disease, and in some instances --
may have to reach life altering pitfalls never imagined, and only then, do they finally surrender and
the wonderful recovery process begins. They take action and do what is suggested for them, going to 12-step
meetings, getting a sponsor, making a commitment, finding "a" job, start working on their relationships
and the damage they caused and finally, hopefully they never forget where they came from. And if they
do, we urge them to get back as quickly as they can and try not to forget again. |
