Addiction & Recovery

(Yes, you smelled wood burning) And I have zero answers. So I went looking for my little day by day....One Day At A Time In Al-Anon. January 3rd is a pretty good one. I'm not sure how much I can quote. Under 4 paragraphs, right?

Why do I waste my precious time and energy trying to figure out what makes an alcoholic drink ------why he doesn't consider his family, his obligations, his reputation? All I need to know is that he suffers from a disease------ alcoholism, the compulsion to drink. Why shouldn't I have compassion for him and his illness when I am so ready to feel sorry for people who have other diseases? Do I blame them? Why do I blame him? Can I cure him by reproaching him? Can I look onto his heart and realize the true nature of his sufferings?

Today's reminder

The fact that I am the spouse, child, parent, or friend of an alcoholic does not give me the right to try to control him. I can only make the situation worse by treating him like an irresponsible naughty child.