Baffled. I’ve been in healthcare for decades and take care of other people in all health areas. And my family doesn’t want to take the time to try and understand my illness and get judged. I try to put myself in others shoes and wish my older siblings would try to learn about dual dx and alcoholism.. Just venting.
Hugs, I'm in Healthcare too. The is so difficult.
Yeah!! I’m helping them with their diabetic issues, etc. unfortunately there’s still a stigma with our Illness. Hugs to you too!
Trying to get loved ones to understand is sooo frustrating. I’ve pretty much given up. They will never truly understand. It’s not their fault. They have never experienced the insanity of this disease. They don’t understand what it’s like being an alcoholic living in a world where alcohol is so ingrained in society and everyday life. The only people who understand me are my brothers and sisters I have met in AA, and on recovery apps like this one. At some point you have to accept this, and just stay sober. They will see the changes. I celebrated 1 year sober last month. It was a huge day for me! I received many calls, texts, and messages from my friend in recovery. The day passed without a peep from my wife and kids. The following day I mentioned it, and my wife gave me a “pat on the back”. While it did bother me to some degree, it also reinforced that this is my recovery, and I need to make sure it’s a big deal to me. As a side note, my wife and son presented me with my one year medallion the following week. They said some beautiful words, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Just keep doing what you need to do. They will definitely appreciate you and your efforts…but they’ll never understand
Welp, I’m pretty much done helping them with their issues and empathizing. It’s so frustrating I agree
Holding on to that resentment is not going to help anyone, and it will affect YOU more than you know. Like Lee said, there is no way they can understand what we as addicts struggle with. Throw in a dual diagnosis and that’s a whole new level of messed up. And it is totally fine if they do t get it. You didn’t get sober for them, you did it for yourself right? Letting go of the selfish thoughts of “they need to help me” or “why don’t they acknowledge my sobriety” is freedom.
I’m just setting a boundary with them so I can focus on my health. Me talking about it is actually letting go of the resentment. Thanks Tim!
Boundaries are great. We need them to care for ourselves. And I am glad you are letting the resentments go.
Thank you. Just needed to get it out.
Ironically I used to be like them, judging an alcoholic or drug addict, all while holding a beer. When beer became too noticeable to my wife I discretely changed to vodka, hiding it. Finally realized I was just like them.
Could you tell me more about dual diagnosis?
I just graduated from a treatment center that's faith-based. So the concentration is that all things are overcome by Christ or through the power of.
I tend to lean on some of the verses that go like don't lean on your own understanding. And ones that she just trust the process of God's plan.
Since I don't have the understanding of God and he hasn't put it in my spirit to just sit and accept that I'm supposed to let him do all the work, which I think is ridiculous.
I mean seriously the man already did all the work. With the cross and resurrection. He's done more than enough.
So I lean on gaining understanding that is not my own.
It’s so incredibly difficult dealing with family sometimes! Reminds me that I have to be selfish about my recovery and put my sobriety first. Acceptance is the answer to all of my problems. I’m glad you were able to get that off your chest. You got this!!
Thanks because your post gives me hope
So true Lee. Thank you
I can totally relate. This should be a safe place to vent and be heard. Looks like a particular poster above feel way short of that.
Just know that there is nothing selfish about setting a boundary to honor and protect yourself! That’s part of what recovery teaches us.
And also know that “anger” or feelings of “resentment” are normal human emotions. Every human experiences them.
They let us know when their is a red flag affecting our well being and that a boundary needs to be erected in that relationship to honor ourselves in a healthy way.
Stay strong !
AA helps because they understand without having to tell them anything
It's funny how morbidly obese people in the burbs who eat terribly like to judge people in the city for their addictions (despite all of those addictions being just as at home out in "the country" now). "Be accountable" they say. "Stop being a drain on the economy" they say, all the while complaining about healthcare as they themselves continue to drain and clog it up with their own a$$es.
All people are addicted to "feeling good", instant gratification, whether it's Dilaudid or wine or cheeseburgers or jerking off, we all wanna feel good as much as possible and as fast as possible. People will always stigmatize the thing THEY don't have a problem with but overlook their own issues. It's the American way. Don't trip, just take care of yourself.