decchemist

Jellinek Curve

A search of the SR site showed conversation about the Jellinek Curve but no link that I could see to the curve itself.

Several years ago (19 or 20) I was very drunk at my sister's wedding. My mother, then a sober member of AA for about 8 years (and until she died of AML in 2010) comforted me through my shame the next day. A couple of days later she sent me some leaflets and photocopies in the mail one of which was a copy of the curve. I had a brief look then stored it away on a high shelf never to be looked at again.

Whilst having a spring clean a few years ago I found all she had sent me and still couldn't figure why she had sent it. Probably it was because she wanted me to understand her alcoholism. It wasn't anything to do with my drinking. So I threw all the literature away.

Now over one year sober I remembered the curve and after some internet searching found it again. I know why she sent it to me now.

My sister (23 years sober with AA) said recently 'Mum was waiting for you. She had waited for me. When mum died I became the one waiting for you.'

Where are you on the curve? How far down did you get? Are you out the other side?

soberista

Bless your mum and how wonderful your sister is now offering support.

Where are you on the curve?

Thankfully I would think I am half way up the right hand side.

Well done on your year of sobriety.

Hawking22

This is really neat, I've never seen this before!

I would say I'm right at the "onset of new hope". Can't wait to reach the top!
Would love to see an extension of the curve if one is ever created!

decchemist

I think I am too; about 2.5 dots from the bottom. Of course, all things do not apply to all people and you don't have to get to the cyclical bit at the bottom but it's good to think about what COULD have happened.

Yes I am blessed with my sister. Although I have chosen SR and SMART rather than AA she has sent me a monthly chip every month without fail.

BreezyFe

Thanks for the chart-I've heard of it mentioned somewhere but never seen it. I appreciate your story.
I'm on my way up. Onward & upward!

Gabe1980

Oooo thanks Dec, this is really interesting. I will have a good look and get back to you.

What your sister said to you is incredibly moving to read. I am sure she is so proud of you and your mum would be too. Thank you for sharing that today. Rach xx

Gabe1980

I think I am a quarter of the way coming up. Accepting this is an illness, stopping drinking and group work. It looks like a bit of a climb from here ......better keep going!

PhoenixJ

never seen b4- good stuff...half way up the rehab side, although I doubt my family will return Support to you.

Sober369

This is great, thanks. I am just starting the upward curve. I can see where I've jumped back to the other end too, when I relapsed. I will save this and look back at it.

Tang

Funny it reminds me of a roller coaster. I want off lol.

Midwest1981

Thanks for sharing. I have never seen that. I think I was on the extreme far left and now on the extreme right! Thankfully!!

(I know I have to work at sobriety every day though..that is why I login here. )

Tonymblue

Thanks. Very informative.

Outonthetiles

I've never seen that curve before. I think I hit most of the highlights (lowlights) on my way down! I'm happy to report that I'm well up the upward curve on the right.

Snowydelrico

Thanks for that.
I will try showing it to my friend and father in law.
I hit pretty much every point on it.
Think I’m on the one before enlightenment. Keep getting glimpses of the top.
Very encouraging stuff.

Watched a guy on YouTube explaining it.’ Sober talk’

Ayers

Thanks for sharing. Going to google it and read about it.

Leana

Celebrating 10 years sober this month I think I am at the top of the right side of the curve. Sobriety is ingrained in my daily life. Not drinking is normal to me, I rarely think about it. I won't say "never" because there are times when everyone is having a drink and I think to myself- "why can't I have one too". And I always say to myself "Because you can't have 1, they can. End of story."

Fearlessat50

This is great! Never heard that term before. I am reading about it. I would say I’m about half way up the rehab curve. I go back and forth between desire to escape and adjustment to family needs. I am striving to consistently reinforce new healthy ways of coping with stress and life changes. This is really helpful. Thank you!

Atlast9999

Thanks for the graphic! I took a screenshot to save on my phone so I can look at it when I need it. Thank you for sharing!

StartingOverNW

Hopefully to the right of that washing machine part at the bottom

Vinificent

Very cool and truthful! I am way up on the right but clearly remember that vicious cycle at the bottom. Don’t want to forget it either!!