Letter from an Alcoholic

Dear family,

I read a letter from the alcoholic online that resonated with me. I am sharing it with you in the hope that it resonates with you as well.

Please call in on Thursday at 6:30 PM. More than ever, we need to keep the lines of communication open and provide support for each other. Each and every one of you bring something valuable and unique to the group. Consider that the family meeting made it possible for the family to know without a doubt that Laura had relapsed, and that evening served as a catalyst for her to return to rehab. While every meeting may not result in an epiphany, putting aside our selfish concerns once a month for an hour or so has, at the very least, the benefit of keeping us connected and aware.

Ty and I would like to hear the good things that have happened to you recently. We crave good news!

With love,
Vicki (Mom, Yiayia)


Letter from an Alcoholic
An Open Letter to My Family
I am an alcoholic. I need help.

Don't allow me to lie to you. If you accept my evasions of the truth, you encourage me to lie. The truth may be painful but try to get at it.

Don't let me outsmart you. This would only allow me to avoid responsibility and would make me lose respect for you at the same time.

Don't accept my promises. The nature of my illness prevents my keeping them, even though I mean them at the time. Promises are only my way of postponing pain. And, Don't keep switching agreements; if an agreement is made stick to it.

Don't let me exploit you or take advantage of you. If you do, you become an accomplice to my evasion of responsibility.

Don't lecture, moralize, scold, praise, blame, or argue when I'm drunk or sober. Don't pour out my liquor; it may make you feel better, but it will make the situation worse.

Don't lose your temper with me. It will destroy you and any possibility of helping me.

Don't allow your anxiety for me make you do what I should do for myself.

Don't cover up or try to spare me the consequences of my drinking. It may reduce the crisis, but it will make my sickness worse.

Above all don't run away from reality as I do. Alcoholism, my illness gets worse as my drinking continues. Start now to learn, to understand, to plan for recovery. find al anon, whose groups exist to help families of alcoholics.

I need help. from a pastor, doctor, a psychologist, a counselor, from a recovered alcoholic who found sobriety in AA and from God. I cannot help myself.

I hate myself, but I love you. Please help me. Signed,
Your Alcoholic

*My husband is an Alcoholic and an Addict... in and out of recovery for a few years now. I found this and felt the need to share.*
POSTED BY MELINDA AT 9:59 PM