What info if friend/family member in AA?

[ezbtr]

Just was curious, if a friend or family member has joined AA (for good reason), what do you talk/not talk about to show interest(ie, you hope this works for them), if you and all other friends/family drink,etc. Thanks, Heinz

 

[eurolarva]

Re: What info if friend/family member in AA?

You can pretty much talk about anything. The person is no different because he or she now knows they are alcoholic. <br />If you know the person well enough give him encuragement and praise for taking the first step. The worst thing you can do is to act different around them.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What info if friend/family member in AA?

What eurolarva said.<br />My dad has been sober for over 20 years.<br />Now he sets up new AA chapters and is always at meetings to help the new members.<br /><br />Ask him/her what the meetings are all about, what they have learned, etc. He may not want to talk about it, but may appreciate the opportunity.<br /><br />You may be surprised what you hear. Very little of it has to do with alcohol, most has to do with responsibility, committment, behavior, in a word... righteousness.

 

[Ross J]

Re: What info if friend/family member in AA?

Show interest, give support, ask questions, share the experience with them.<br />There's only one way to fail at supporting a recovering alcoholic, other than offering them a drink, and thats to claim that you know how they feel.<br />Only an alcoholic knows how they feel and for them each persons experience is different in ever so slight ways.<br />Express that you feel for them, express that you care for them, express that you are there to support them. If they live alone buy them a radio (often it's their best friend during the nights). If you live near then make arranged visits and stay to help.<br />Don't be a lap dog though, alcoholics are very good at playing the victim to your rescuer.<br />Just be a friend for them and be very proud of their effort to make a huge and difficult change in their life style.<br />If you're travelling down this road then my heart goes out to you. Any help or support I can offer I will. Just ask. And no I'm not an alcoholic, but I do work very closely with them.<br />Ross

 

[perchjerker]

Re: What info if friend/family member in AA?

Let them talk about their problems..sometimes they just need someone to listen.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: What info if friend/family member in AA?

Support, support, support.<br /><br />Can not say that enough.<br /><br />If you drink, don't do it around them, or before going to see them.<br /><br />Your support means taking the thought of it away from them, not reminding them of it.<br /><br />Have good ears and be willing to use them.<br /><br />Plus what everyone else has said.