A PROMISE FOR 2011

My mom with Jeremy and Jeff

A mother wrote an email message to me. This is part of it: My son was addicted from age twelve to seventeen, and he is good today. He used LSD and marijuana laced with PCP and was in many rehabs. I started Al-Anon and stayed for eleven years. As the twelve steps teach us, in order to keep what we have, we need to give it away. I stayed in the program because I felt an obligation to give others hope when they were seemingly hopeless. The program and its principles never cease to help me through something at least once a day.

My personal reflection of the passage above offering my thoughts today: Al-Anon was a lifeline for me as it is for many of us. There aren’t many resources available for parents, but Al-Anon offers us a safe and anonymous environment where we know that we’re not alone and where we can learn from each other’s pain. The twelve steps are a model for good living and help us to face the addiction and find our spiritual awakening. The twelfth step teaches us about service, reaching out a hand to help another.

Today’s Promise to consider for all of us who love addicts: I will reach out my hand to another mother, father or loved one. Even though I’m in great pain, I will be there for someone. I will give what I’ve learned and try to help them, and in doing so help myself. As I start 2011, I promise to give back and help someone else.

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Cheri
Cheri
13 years ago

Al-Anon and Nar-Anon have been my saving grace (second to God!)since learning of my son’s addiction 3 years ago. I, too, would encourage anyone who is feeling alone in this journey to seek out Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, as it’s the first step to getting your life back and knowing that you are not alone. Thank you for your blog, Libby!

Libby Cataldi
13 years ago

Thanks, Cheri, for your support. We often feel alone, but we can find help and compassion within these groups. I fought going for years, but other people helped me save my sanity. Love to you!

Victoria
Victoria
13 years ago

Al-Anon is awesome! A feeling of not being alone in this addiction of my son has helped me greatly. I too waited to go to Al-Anon and now I realize how much I can learn from others. I also learned that I am as sick as my son, I need help too! My getting the help I need will ultimately help my son as well. I am leaving now for my Thursday night meeting:) For anyone out there suffering the addiction of a loved one, please, give Al-Anon a try. It’s a win-win. Love to all the suffering. Thanks Libby, I so look forward to Thursday, Al-Anon and your meditations really help me.

Nanci
13 years ago

Hi Libby…my favorite topic; Al-Anon. Little did I know how important this fellowship would be in my life. I fought it for years. Way too angry, resentful, etc. I am so grateful to all the people I have met over the past year (Jan 1st, 2011 will be my one year anniversary). Al-anon is my lifeline and I hope others won’t wait as long as I did to experience this gift.
Happy, healthy New Year to you and your family

Libby Cataldi
13 years ago

Dear Victoria, Thanks for your great comments. You are right – we need help, too. Addiction suffocates all of us and changes even the color of our day. I agree that Al-Anon is a win-win. Love to you!!

Libby Cataldi
13 years ago

Dear Nanci, I fought Al-Anon for years, too. Way too angry, resentful and I was always preoccupied that someone would know me. My ego was in the way. I join with you in hope that others might read our posts and give Al-Anon a try. It is a gift. Love to you and Happy New Year!