Only the alcoholic can set himself free from the compulsion to drink. The non alcoholic can not make or force him to want sobriety, although many of us feel we should be able to correct a situation that is causing us so much suffering and pain.
Yet the more I try and force the issue, with tears, reproaches and threats, the worse it gets.
Alanon can help me cope with the situation in an entirely different way, by showing me how to recognize and correct my mistaken attempts to force solutions.
The same philosophy applies to the problems we face after the long desired sobriety has come to pass.
Today's Reminder
I am powerless over alcohol and it's effects on another person or persons; I cannot make him/her sober, no more than I can be responsible for his/her drinking. The First Step tells me this, and it tells me too, that I must acknowledge that my life has become unmanageable. My first task is to manage my own life, whether or not the alcoholic is still drinking.
"Help me to find peace of mind within myself by uniting myself with god's power and guidance. This is the only spiritual way out of my difficulties - the only sure way".
