How is alcoholism like dementia? Can I use what I've learned in one with the other?

Welcome to episode 161 of the recovery show. We are friends and family members of alcoholic

and addicts who have found a path to serenity and happiness. We who live or have

lived with the seemingly hopeless problem of addiction.

Understand as perhaps few others can. So much depends on our own attitudes and we believe

that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Before we begin we would like to state that

though we have the recovery show may be in a 12-step program, we represent ourselves rather than the program.

During this show we will share our own experiences.

The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the person who gave them.

Take what you like and leave the rest. My name is Spencer and I'm your host today.

And I want to open with a reading from one of our daily readers.

Courage to change. This is from July 5th.

I think the word detachment is often misunderstood.

For me, detachment is the freedom to own what is mine and to allow others to own what is theirs. This freedom allows me to keep my own identity and still love, care about, and identify with the feelings of others.

In fact, I believe that the degree of our humanity can be measured by our ability to know another person's pain and joy.

I have been practicing the principles of Alanon to the best of my abilities for a long time.

But when someone in the fellowship shares about having a difficult time, I can go right back to day one.

I no longer live with that type of emotional pain, but I can feel theirs.

I can identify without needing to remove their pain.

To me, that is an Al-An success story.

Today I don't have to like everything my alcoholic loved one says or does, and I don't have to

change her even when I think she's wrong.

...