Is ACOA more widespread than we think????

[antonyeo]

How confusing it must be for a family suffering from the effects of alcohol when they actually do not have an alcoholic in the immediate family. In other words I have learned that Alcoholics can pass on those terrible behaviors to their children and then to their children without being alcoholics themselves. How would a person ever figure out what is happening to them? Is it possible that many more people in our society suffer from this than we really know? Alcohol and drug use has been around for years even some of the most famous people in history “over did it” with alcohol and drugs. It’s conceivable that this could be passed on and on for many generations without notice. Some times we tend to think people are just that way…I’m starting to wonder about a lot of people I know personally. I’m starting to see through the masks that people wear. It’s a powerful amount of knowledge to know this about a person when they don’t know it about their self! Makes you wonder if people abuse that knowledge.

Also. Many of the so-called role models in our society (models, actors, musicians, etc) don’t help things. So many of our kids and us look up to these people even in the face of them having alcohol and drug problems.

A few years ago Charles Barkley made a comment that caused a lot of criticism. He said, “I am not a role model, your parents should be your role model, not a professional athlete!” Hmmm perhaps he was right. Any way you look at it, it all points back to the family unit.

Does anyone else think this subject matter isn’t getting as much exposure as it needs? It’s not just the knowledge you need, but you also need to know how to APPLY IT.

I have been doing very well lately. I have had an incredible control over my emotions lately. For the first time I really feel like I’m going to win this battle!

[lildee]

hi antonyeo,

While the problems of alcoholism or addiction or dysfunctional families(ACOA) may skip generations the underlying causes are there. And as part of the human species we learn a great deal of our behaviors from those around us.

As for getting exposure..... there are several traditions in Alanon that discourages the promotion of of Alanon.

Tradition 11 " Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of the press, radio, TV and films. We need guard with special care the anonimity the anonimity of all AA members."

You were talking about roles models, well that is what we are for Alanon. Role models. We show the rest of the world how we can work our programs and deal with addiction, alcoholism, and dysfunfunctional families. We are the living breathing advertisement. As you said it's "just not the the knowledge that is needed but also how to apply it." Something which is only learned within the confines of a group and working with a sponsor.

As for "winning the battle" .... Alanon or Naranon or any of the other 12 Step groups is not a battle. It is a life long program to learn a new way to live with peace, serenity and spirituality.