Ellen D. AFG speaker

Ellen D. AFG speaker

Ellen D., an enthusiastic member of Al-Anon, shares her riveting journey in this episode of Recovery Radio Network. With a blend of humour and raw honesty, Ellen takes you through her initial resistance to Al-Anon and how she was literally dragged into the programme. She admits to having 'selective hearing' and a knack for storytelling to cope with life's challenges, a trait that didn't bode well for her relationships.

Ellen's vivid anecdotes paint a picture of her struggle with alcoholism within her family and her personal battles with co-dependency and addiction to 'mind-altering men'. She humorously describes the Al-Anon room as a place filled with 'little blue-haired, purse-lipped women in sensible shoes' – not exactly the most welcoming image. Yet, it's in this unlikely setting that Ellen finds her path to recovery.

Her story is peppered with poignant moments, like the loss of her stepbrother and her struggles with her daughter's addiction, which bring depth to her narrative. Ellen also touches on the challenges of raising adopted children and the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with their health issues. She emphasises the importance of working through the steps in Al-Anon, sharing that the greatest gift the programme offers is allowing someone to be in their pain without trying to fix them.

Ellen's journey is a testament to the power of community and the transformative potential of Al-Anon. Her story is not just about overcoming addiction but about finding peace, joy, and a sense of belonging. Tune in to hear Ellen's heartfelt and humorous account of her recovery journey – it's sure to resonate with anyone touched by addiction.