Luri

Hi all!
Family friend is married to a recovering alcoholic. He's a dry drunk and has been cheating and doing all that fun stuff that a dry drunk does. She is now committed in an institution 5150 style for the time being.
What I would like to know if is it appropriate for me to somehow get some Al-Anon literature to her. Or should I just let the medical professionals refer her to it themselves? I don't know. My instinct is to help but my arrogance tells me I'm the only one in the universe that can help. Ugh... am I ego tripping or should I reach out?

CodeJob

Hi Luri, personally I might hold on the Al Anon lit. Send a card to her. If she is of an open mind where the serenity prayer would not offend her, send her a nice laminated version. I used that prayer years before I entered the recovery world.

Peace and I hope your friend is able to heal and move forward.

Seren

If she is currently in the hands of medical professionals, I think she is getting all the help she will need. There is also likely to be a hospital social worker involved who knows all the ins and outs of recovery--this person is probably providing her with that information.

Ifnotforgrace

Do you want to help her or "fix" her? (Check your motives)

My ESH is that sometimes the best "help" we can be is to just visit and be a friend. Companionship when one is feeling alone is priceless. How about just a light, friendly visit perhaps taking her an allowed small personal gift (food? a phone card? a light sweater? puzzle book?) to brighten her day. Call ahead the facilities can give you a list of contraband.

atalose

Caring and kindness doesn’t have to be an action. Try and be a listening friend unless she is specifically asking you your opinion on something.

She’s been married to him and his alcoholism and my best guess is she is well aware of al-anon. I think the professionals may suggest it as well.

Just be there for her, if and when she needs you.