What Other Programs Do You Use For Recovery?

[Still Waters]

I ask because I'm not able to get to Al-anon meetings. There isn't one within walking distance to me, and I don't have transportation at the moment.

Before, the closest one was 45 minutes away. I have tried online Al-anon meetings via StepChat, but it's just not for me, the process is soooooo painstakingly slow waiting for everyone to type.

I read a lot, I come here to SR (thank you everyone!), and I work the steps on my own.

Any suggestions for those of us not able to attend Al-anon meetings?

[MissFixit]

Individual counselling
Church

[LaTeeDa]

I went to individual counseling for a year or so. I read everything I could get my hands on. I moved from alcohol/codependent specific material to self-help/spiritual material. I got a lot of recommendations from this site. I also found that once I started sharing about my situation, I found many people IRL who were going through or had gone through similar situations. I also made some close friends on this site who had been in recovery for longer than me. Unfortunately, many of the "wise ones" are no longer here, or post rarely. A few I actually connected with IRL and have met personally.

If you have read all the Melodie Beatty you can take for now and would like something else, I can recommend:

A New Earth --by Eckhart Tolle
Women Who Run with the Wolves --by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Seven Laws of Spiritual Success --by Deepak Chopra

Alanon is not required for recovery. Only a strong desire to change.

L

[liveweyerd]

I do much the same as you, SW and with counseling, Ms Fixit.
I also practice meditation and set aside time for pampering, nurturing and inspiration.
We have found alot of great and inspiring documentaries and biographies on Net.flix also.

[NYC_Chick]

I did not find alanon was the best place for me so I continued with just individual therapy.

[liveweyerd]

I am in individual counseling now...but while still in that mess, I FINALLY hooked up with free domestic violence counseling. They did more to help me break free than anything.
That and setting goals here at SR and keeping myself accountable.

[LaTeeDa]

Originally Posted by liveweyerd

I also practice meditation and set aside time for pampering, nurturing and inspiration.

Ah yes. Meditation and self-refection are an important part of my recovery also.

L

[Still Waters]

I find the steps at the end of Codependent No More and Beyond Codependency really really good. (forgot to mention that in my OP)

I went to individual counseling prior to leaving my AH - but I can't afford it now. Liveweyard - does the abuse have to be physical for the free counseling? As soon as I have benefits from my new job I plan to resume therapy - that is, after I pay an attorney

I'm going to look for those at my used bookstore here LTD, thanks

[MissFixit]

Oh, exercise and yoga (meditation) are helpful to get energy out and center myself.

[liveweyerd]

SW, no...abuse is abuse...whether it is verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, or battering.
Most cities have free services, they should be listed in your phone book.
You may also call the prosecutor's office to inquire, they usually have an advocate who can direct you to services available.

[Still Waters]

I will do that liveweyerd, thank you.

[Jadmack25]

I had help from my GP, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, Alanon, and Psychology.

Googled for imformation, read loads of books and literature.

Used journalling, meditation, self hypnosis, relaxation therapy and hours of PRAYER.

And of course WONDERFUL Sober Recovery.

All these have combined to get me thru and renewed my life.

God bless

[ElegantlyWasted]

Exercise.. At least 40 min 4 x per week w heart rate 120 or more. SMART work sheets. 7 habits reading. Neil Fiore's "Now Habit". Meditation Podcast. AA step work. This site. There are many ways to get what you need/want. The mentioned stuff is what I do reguarly and keeps me moving in a positive direction.

[Lavash]

I would have to say exercise as well since I am big on the gym. It has helped me a lot, but not in terms of recovery of codependency.

I like Al Anon, I find it helps much more than sites where people really don't get a true grasp of who you are.
They are good in a "pinch" so to speak

Would you be able to have meetings at your home?
There is a place calleed MEETUP. com where you can find SO many different meetings. I'm signed up there for my naturopathic studies and always get info on free meetings. I can never go, but they seem great.

Check out meetup. com. You can chair your own meeting. Not an Al Non meeting, but just to meet other people in your shoes

[Lavash]

just went to check it out. Not sure where you live, but I typed in codependency in the US and found many groups.

[Pelican]

For the physical therapy: I do power walking and yoga.

For the mental therapy: I use SR, Alanon material and meetings when I can. I also like to read books on self-help and spirituality. One book that I go back to often is - "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise L. Hay