Can/should I do AA & Al-Anon at the same time?

Recovery
#1

I am diving deeper into fully understanding the programs and the work that needs to be done. This leads me to wonder if I can/should be doing both programs at the same time?

As mentioned before, I’ve had major codependency issues my entire life starting with my older brother/family, then friends & partners. Drinking eventually became problematic and then out of control..

Both are a big problem for me so I know I have a lot of work to do!! Does anyone have experience with this? Do both at the same time or one and then the other? Thanks!

1 Like
#2

Try a CoDA group. I went to these groups as well as AA when I was I was in treatment years back. My counselors dragged me at first. Had to work on them at the same time or I would have never stopped drinking. I no longer had codependency issues, but did relapse with the alcohol. The CoDA groups were amazing. Highly recommend !

2 Likes
#3

I don’t have personal knowledge, but there are a couple of ladies from my AA group that also are active in AlAnon. They’ve said that it’s been really good for them. It’s funny one was just talking about it on Saturday.

1 Like
#4

I am absolutely going to check them out! I didn’t realize that’s a whole other program. I really thought it was just Al-Anon.

#5

Can’t hurt

1 Like
#6

Yes you can. It’s actually something I just started at 8years sober almost

1 Like
#7

I have ben attending both programs for the last year and a half. I think it is extremely beneficial for me and my situation. I am currently 3 1/2 years sober and living with an alcoholic wife. I look forward to going to each meeting for its own reason. There are quite a few double winners in my Al anon group which is mostly women.

1 Like
#8

God bless you! I am no longer living with users and I hope and pray never to again but I’m still very much affected. Ty for the feedback!

#9

Nothing wrong with multiple avenues of mental health. I just wouldn't do it in early sobriety imho. You get to see your past and present in a different prospective with Al-Anon. Good :+1: for you for searching out a better understanding :pray:

1 Like
#10

Thanks! The blessing and curse of being a Counselor & Addict..unless I fully understand I will not be invested! I have been to Al-Anon & Celebrate Recovery a few time before when I was younger for my codependency issues but I didn’t “keep coming back.” :sob: Although it’s very sad, my mother that I was very codependent with/caring for passed Dec ‘20 so I don’t have that as a pressing issue besides the trauma I need to work through. My brother is living far from me now but that another CODA relationship I desperately need to work on, along with trauma from that too. I tend to be an all or nothing kind of person but that has clearly not helped me so I’m going towards the DO IT ALL at once but being mindful of it and seeking guidance. Thanks again!

#11

Same boat same river just different paddlers... I also have "stopped going to meetings " and had to press restart. I say " restart" lightly because of the knowledge I have acquired when I was going. Sorry about your Mom. I admire those close loving relationships between parent and child. I never had that closeness and it is foreign to me. That is something I need to work on because it effects my relationships today. Im also very black and white but hopefully by doing the work I will start painting with the color gray. :pray:

1 Like
#12

I am learning it’s going to be a process…basically like getting another degree. Thank you for your condolences. I have always been a very open and empathic person…mostly a blessing but a curse at times. Just like I need to work on reeling in my emotions and not being so affected by others, you too can learn how to become better at expressing yourself and communicating with others. Exploring our Emotional Intelligence can be another tool to add to our box! Improving Emotional Intelligence (EQ) - HelpGuide.org

1 Like
#13

I have friends that do both. I stick to AA for my codependency issues.

1 Like
#14

I really like Smart Recovery. It’s evidence based and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Very nonjudgmental.

1 Like