Al-Anon(?)

I just wanted to put this out there to see if anyone else has had any experiences with this group and if so what were they and if at all, beneficial(?)

... about a year ago and after about 28 years of survival mode, stuffing and stubborn independence - I started seeing a counselor on a regular basis! I'm quite an introvert and even moreso - 'un'open to discussing some of my experiences, so this was a HUGE step for me but after several sessions - my counselor suggested (and continues to...) that I go to an Al-Anon meeting(s) ...

Though alchohol has had little to do with my experiences in life - it does exist! But I've researched the organization and dont really get how attending such meetings would be helpful. I've seen 3 other counselors since childhood regarding several (emotionally) truamatizing experiences stemming from my childhood and I hadn't found the comfort & progress that I now have with this one. However, we do continue to disagree on this subject! I don't have any interest - muchless feel like I have the ability to endure - any 'group' anything. My counselor on the other hand, thinks the experience would be great for me and continually encourages it on the basis of 'creating a support system' and that it's 'not just for families of alchoholics'...

... am I just being stubborn? Or has anyone else - somewhat distant from alchohol abuse - found these meetings helpful in emotional recovery??

I've been to Al-Anon meetings in the past and I really liked them. I am very introverted, too. I rarely ever said anything. I sat through the meetings with tears just flowing down my cheeks, just hearing other peoples stories, listening to some of the readings and just being part of a group of others who are hurt. Mine was related to alcohol--my fiance at the time. I was never pushed to participate, I could if I wanted, didn't have to if I didn't want. I will say it's all about finding one that feels good to you. I went to the same one for some time and one day at work was really really struggling and felt like I needed to go to a meeting so I went to one on my lunch break that was close by and I just didn't feel "it" there, so know that there are several in almost all locations. Good luck to you!

Yes, RiverX just reminded me the other day in post, and I remembered how good it was for me. I am going to one tomorrow for the first time in many years. Somehow I thought I was fixed, but I still have portions that need work and I want the community and to finish my last two steps.

I too bad the 12 steps aren't taught to everyone to apply to all problems as another tool. They are really good. The groups are made up of whoever shows up that time. So you can go to as meetings as you want or not show up whenever you want. They are all like here, on a drop in basis.

You learn so much from them and the community is wonderful. Good luck with that. They encourage you to take what you can from it and leave the rest. I agree with the last post too.

I can't really offer you any advice on al anon. But, I wanted you to know I read your message. I hope you can work through this issue with your counselor.

Hi Misplaced...

I don't see how attending a meeting could hurt you...If nothing else you will be educated about Alanon.

Though alcohol is a centerpiece in many of the discussions in the meetings,,a primary purpose of its attendees is learning to manage relationships. Creating and maintaining healthy boundaries are implicit in the discussions and advice.

It is about working on you,,,not the other person...changing focus to get the best possible outcome..

Try it,,you might like it...

Lenny

yeah I agree with Lenny.

Thanks all for the input!

... And Lenny & Mouse - I think you're right! Sounds like I'm jus being stubborn!

This was my first post on here and even in what I wrote - many assumed that I've struggled with alchohol just by the question I posed ... so you can see the obvious image that the organization has - or in my mind atleast. I guess thats just always been the missing link in her suggestions as I never understood why, if I didn't have an alch prob - then why would I attend one of those meetings(?) not to mention (the way my mind roles sometimes) ... as she continually makes the suggestion (now as a just) I even went as far as thinking that my counselor may've thought I had an alch problem - and just didn't want to break it to me or something!!

Anyway - I said all that to point out that your mentioning of the 'Boandries' and 'Relationship building' topics were interesting to me and seemed rather relevant as those are 2 of the main areas of focus during my hour on the couch! I guess I just never would've made the association of that to an al-anon meeting, hadn't you mentioned it - thanks again!