Episode 32 - Meds and Meetings

After getting a new depression and anxiety prescription in the last episode, Jackie follows up with how she is adjusting. She’s started to make a great effort to get out of the house to be with her friends and shares a strategy she’s using to do that. Meanwhile, Denise has been busy helping her other daughter move, juggling new changes at work, and organizing a sober retreat. This year’s retreat was as busy and beautiful as ever, including a life celebration of her former sponsor, Claire. Despite a packed schedule, Denise has been prioritizing rest among the chaos.

Following a few synchronicities, Jackie checked out Al-Anon for the first time. She shares a passage from Al-Anon's big blue book. The experience has been a catalyst for momentum across her life, at her own pace, which is worth celebrating! Denise shares her enthusiasm and recognizes the role of accountability for making progress in all areas of life. Jackie then shares her experience of going to ACA for the first time. They discuss an underlying theme across 12 step programs, which is ultimately taking responsibility for yourself. 

If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon.

Topics Covered:

00:49 New meds update

07:11 Organizing a sober retreat

21:32 Jackie goes to Al-Anon for the first time!

31:50 Jackie goes to ACA for the first time!

44:29 Being scared and doing the thing anyway

Resources Mentioned:

• Register for virtual and in-person 12S4E meetings 
• AA meeting directory
• Al-Anon meeting directory 
• ACA meeting directory 
• Courage to Change - One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
• Reshma Saujani

Follow Us:

• Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la 
• Follow Denise: @denise.freed 
• Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone 
• Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone