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When I first started writing the blog, I had already done months’ worth of research in order to get answers that were written in a format that I could understand. It didn’t happen overnight. I recall how I came upon each subject for research in  The Immortal Alcoholic’s Wife . However, there was a topic that I just couldn’t get my head around. The idea of recovery for the people who care about the alcoholic seemed to escape me. In my mind the only way for a spouse to recover from all that nonsense was to just get a divorce – leave him/her – kick ‘em to the curb! But there are also parents and children and friends and partners and co-works… the list goes on. What would be the answer to recovery for everyone? As time went on, I discovered that the families and friends may need recovery just as much as the alcoholic. That’s why Al-Anon was created. It was to provide courage, strength and hope to the families and friends of alcoholics. There are 12 steps and 12 traditions that provide ...

It’s been a very long road from the time I took Riley back in until today. He’s still alive. Hes still wants a drink or two or three or more. Things don’t change while they are changing. Nothing has gotten any easier along the way. I thought I’d get used to all the drunken chaos, the household mess, the ridiculous rantings and demands. I thought I’d just ignore it and move along through my day. After all, he is my estranged husband and hadn’t really been a part of my life for more than 15 years. I can handle this, I thought. Everything would be OK. As Riley became less “sick” and more drunk, things did not get better. I tried to ignore it. He was like that roommate that constantly drank all the milk or used up all the clean towels. He was like the child who refused to pick up after himself or clean his room. But, it was OK, I thought… he’d fall prey to his addiction soon and I’d have my house and life to myself again. I kept my personal life personal and did not involve him in any deci...

Do you know how long it takes for the brain to be alcohol toxin free after an alcoholic quits drinking? Do you understand the legal ramifications of staying married to an alcoholic? Do you have a safe place to escape when things get heated at your house? Have you a support system when you just need to vent? Linda’s Place will provide all these things for anyone who is battling the dilemma of staying or moving on. It is a recovery center for families and friends of alcoholics. This is not just a glorified Al-Anon center. However, Al-Anon will be invited to hold meetings at the center. This center is a place of education, support and resources. At Linda’s Place you will find on-going Read more »