Reference no: EM133855174

Case Vignette 30.1

Annette, 45 years old, was asked to share her experiences with family members who had alcohol addiction and the assistance she received from 12-step programs. This is her story: Many years ago, to "save" my father from alcoholism, I was introduced to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous through Al-Anon. In Al-Anon, I became conscious of my weaknesses and experienced the humility to accept that I was powerless over alcohol, that I could not save my father or make my husband well, who recognized was in the early stages of alcoholism. The effects of alcoholism are pervasive; the entire family suffers. Because of my efforts to make things right, my continual failure to do so, my decreased view of myself following constant defeat, I became as sick as the alcoholic. My life was unmanageable. I decided to turn my will and life over to a Higher Power and in so doing embraced the 12 Steps. Working the 12 Steps is not easy. It requires honesty and humility. It demands a commitment to grow, to stay on the journey no matter what. It necessitates trust that faithfulness will lead to wellness, and to the peace and joy that come when we accept the challenge to take responsibility, and to diligently work toward being the people we were created to be. The wisdom of Al-Anon, along with the dynamic interaction that happens in the honest and caring environment of a support group, has helped give me the strength and courage

to undergo a metamorphosis. Slowly I began to see that as we change, our situation changes. As we become integrated, we become more secure and loving and experience an inner harmony that affects all our relationships. The family is the primary recipient of this blessed change. There is more awareness than ever concerning alcoholism. What was once thought to be a disgrace is now known to be a disease of body, mind, and spirit. Tragically, my father died never knowing the serenity that can be found in Alcoholics Anonymous. Spiritually my husband was "reborn" and came to serenity through Alcoholics Anonymous. We have choices! Our choices make a difference,

Reflection and Critical Thinking

• What factors do you think contribute to the shame and stigma associated with substance use disorders?

• Commonly, people with parents who had alcohol problems develop similar problems themselves or become romantically involved with people struggling with addiction. What factors might contribute to this outcome?

• How can people who have struggled with addictions in their families help others? How can they stop the cycle in terms of future generations?

Psychiatric- mental health nursing. Wanda K Mohr 8th edition