One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
“Detach!” we are told in Al-Anon. This does not mean detaching ourselves, and our love and compassion, from the alcoholic. Detachment, in the Al-Anon sense, means to realize we are individuals. We are not bound morally to shoulder the alcoholic’s responsibilities.
Detachment from the problems caused by compulsive drinking shows us the futility of covering up for the alcoholic, keeping up a brave front, being ashamed or apologetic for situations not of our making. Once we can hold back from such complete involvement, we will have a new sense of freedom and strength.
Today’s Reminder:
I will not permit myself to become emotionally involved in matters that should not be my concern. I will not interfere with the working out of another’s difficulties, however dear and close we may be to each other. Detachment is essential to any healthy relationship between people. Each of us is a free individual, with neither one in control of the other.
“For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk.”
—1st Corinthians