Glad you see that 12 step programs put all of the blame on us and let “them” off the hook. Careful with those 9th step amends, which can be like pleading “No Contest” in the trial that they have held against you. You have very clearly painted the picture that addiction is a family disease.
They're interesting...I wonder if it's because taking responsibility can be such a struggle when it comes to dealing with addiction. I like the empowering part of taking responsibility, but I'm not sure I buy the idea of a relationship in which each person is thoroughly detached from whatever the other person does. Good thing we can take what's helpful and leave the rest.
Far too many of us have someone close to us who believes that they “can quit any time they want to.” It’s very sobering, no pun intended, to read your words about being surrounded by numerous blood relatives who are drowning their sorrows in such a horrifying scene playing out before your eyes, year after year. Three of my four grandparents were alcoholics and fortunately it skipped over most of the siblings and cousins of my generation, with one exception who is addicted to alcohol and gambling. I’ve seen the personal, spiritual and financial havoc happening in one single branch of my family. It must be an absolute nightmare having these calamities going on all around you in your immediate family. I’ve never participated in any of these programs for the so-called co-dependents, but I’ll take your word for it that there are some deficiencies that go along with anything helpful. Thanks for sharing your experiences. This has been a real eye-opener for me, and I wish you all the very best in moving past this horror that is sucking your family down into a nightmarish black hole. Peace be with you.
Thank you, Rafael! This happened many years ago. But it takes time to notice and work through what could be the real cause for the various things that happen in life, and I only began to think deeply about my own life in recent years.
Yes, personal/spiritual/financial havoc is right. It's all-encompassing. Addiction is so destructive, and I'm glad it skipped your generation.
Brave writing. Thank you!
Glad you see that 12 step programs put all of the blame on us and let “them” off the hook. Careful with those 9th step amends, which can be like pleading “No Contest” in the trial that they have held against you. You have very clearly painted the picture that addiction is a family disease.
They're interesting...I wonder if it's because taking responsibility can be such a struggle when it comes to dealing with addiction. I like the empowering part of taking responsibility, but I'm not sure I buy the idea of a relationship in which each person is thoroughly detached from whatever the other person does. Good thing we can take what's helpful and leave the rest.
Far too many of us have someone close to us who believes that they “can quit any time they want to.” It’s very sobering, no pun intended, to read your words about being surrounded by numerous blood relatives who are drowning their sorrows in such a horrifying scene playing out before your eyes, year after year. Three of my four grandparents were alcoholics and fortunately it skipped over most of the siblings and cousins of my generation, with one exception who is addicted to alcohol and gambling. I’ve seen the personal, spiritual and financial havoc happening in one single branch of my family. It must be an absolute nightmare having these calamities going on all around you in your immediate family. I’ve never participated in any of these programs for the so-called co-dependents, but I’ll take your word for it that there are some deficiencies that go along with anything helpful. Thanks for sharing your experiences. This has been a real eye-opener for me, and I wish you all the very best in moving past this horror that is sucking your family down into a nightmarish black hole. Peace be with you.
Thank you, Rafael! This happened many years ago. But it takes time to notice and work through what could be the real cause for the various things that happen in life, and I only began to think deeply about my own life in recent years.
Yes, personal/spiritual/financial havoc is right. It's all-encompassing. Addiction is so destructive, and I'm glad it skipped your generation.