416 episodes

12-step recovery for those of us who love alcoholics or addicts. We share our experience, strength, and hope as we use the principles of the Al-Anon program in our lives. We talk openly and honestly about the problems and challenges as we face alcoholism and addiction in our friends and relatives. We share the tools and solutions we have found that let us live a life that is serene, happy, and free, even when the alcoholic or addict is still drinking or using.

The Recovery Show » Finding serenity through 12 step recovery in Al-Anon – a podcast The Recovery Show

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.7 • 1.4K Ratings

12-step recovery for those of us who love alcoholics or addicts. We share our experience, strength, and hope as we use the principles of the Al-Anon program in our lives. We talk openly and honestly about the problems and challenges as we face alcoholism and addiction in our friends and relatives. We share the tools and solutions we have found that let us live a life that is serene, happy, and free, even when the alcoholic or addict is still drinking or using.

    A Deep Dive into Sharing in Meetings – 408

    A Deep Dive into Sharing in Meetings – 408

    We find value in the shared experiences, wisdom, and support expressed in Al-Anon meetings. Sharing in meetings plays a crucial role in bolstering recovery, assisting in healing, and fostering a sense of community among attendees. However, we may hear instructions and conventions that seem challenging to adhere to at times.







    Why do we share?







    Sharing in an Al-Anon meeting invokes an atmosphere of sincerity, openness, and compassion. Speakers such as Heather and Spencer cherish the meeting as a platform to express their feelings, share their experiences, invite the shared experience of others, and most importantly, aid their path to recovery. Al-Anon’s third tradition suggests that we “[gather] together for mutual aid,” allowing us to learn from others' experiences.







    How do we share?







    Heather was challenged by her sponsor to try speaking from the heart during meetings. She was told that she should not aim to present a meticulously crafted speech but rather express her authentic feelings and experiences.







    Despite being a vital recovery tool, sharing can bring about certain challenges. One of these is the common issue of oversharing. Heather highlights this by narrating an instance where she was challenged by another person's extensive sharing.















    Creating a Safe Space







    Creating a safe and trusting environment is crucial for effective sharing. Many meetings ask members to not “crosstalk”, where one person's sharing draws an immediate response from someone else. This helps to maintain this safe space. It’s essential for each of us to keep the focus on ourselves. This way, all attendees can openly share their feelings and experiences without feeling judged or interrupted.







    Cultivating humility







    Heather's reflection on this concept is insightful – our recovery journey is ours and ours alone. No share is more valuable or insightful than the other, and no member should dominate others with their contribution. Al-Anon's Tradition 8 (Al-Anon Twelfth Step work should remain forever non-professional…) reminds us that every attendee is seen as equal, each carrying their own experiences, strength, and hope.







    Conclusion







    Sharing in meetings is a pivotal practice in Al-Anon – one that encourages honesty, openness and cultivates a supportive community. With each share, we walk further from our pain and closer to serenity, helping us internalize the power of Al-Anon's founding principles.







    Readings and Links







    Heather read from Courage to Change, Nov 3 (p. 308)







    We also mentioned these books: Reaching for Personal Freedom, Hope for Today, and Paths to Recovery.







    Upcoming topics







    I am planning a series of episodes on the 12 Steps. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecovery.show with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.















    Music from the Show











    Kelsea Ballerini – Overshare











    Rita Ora – Keep Talking











    Jennifer Nettles – You Will Be Found

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Spencer T talk at 71st Greeley AA Stampede

    Spencer T talk at 71st Greeley AA Stampede

    In February, 2023, Spencer gave a talk at the 71st Greeley AA Stampede. This is that talk.















    Readings and Links







    The Greeley AA Stampede is an annual AA conference with Al-Anon participation. Find out more at their website.







    A listener asked about finding “speaker tapes” online. Two sources are XA Speakers and Recovery Radio Network.







    A couple listeners have asked about the “adult child” oriented podcasts I've been listening to. They are Fragmented to Whole and Adult Child Podcast.















    Music from the Show











    Coldplay – Fix You











    Sarah McLachlan – Sweet Surrender







    Kimberly suggested this next song.











    INXS – Don't Change

    • 1 hr 9 min
    Listening to you – 406

    Listening to you – 406

    Listen to the experience, strength and hope, questions, and fears of 30-ish listeners of The Recovery Show. Hear from members on topics such as these:









    * Coping with the effects of addiction







    * The recovery process







    * Working the Al Anon program







    * Sponsorship in recovery







    * Understanding self-centered behavior







    * Acceptance of powerlessness







    * Reflections on past recovery experiences









    Here are few moments that you might connect with:







    Sue wrote, “While listening to Debra C. share on your podcast, I realized she was telling my story. I took away many things, but mainly that ‘hands off, pays off’ is my new mantra.”







    Mike said, “If someone is trapped and has no resources or outside help, and has been through this before, they may fawn. That is, they may become compliant or even take the side of the oppressor to soothe, distract, or somehow deflect or minimize the harm that is coming their way.”







    From another Sue, “[Your podcast] has helped me find a path into the spiritual side of the program. This is something I never expected to be possible for me.”







    Mary said, “Al Anon taught me that his alcoholism is about him, not me, and also that I didn't cause it, can't control it, and can't cure it. But I sure can contribute to it. And I did do that by reacting in a way that was not helpful to him or me or the situation.”







    Louise is “so grateful for the tools of recovery that have given me the ability to navigate the halls of alcoholism.”







    There are many more moments such as these in the full episode.







    Episode links







    These episodes were mentioned by contributors:









    * 402 Gossip







    * 401 What is my Motive?







    * 322 Deborah C – Hands Off Pays Off







    * 132 Living with Lies







    * 381 Acceptance as a Gift of Recovery







    * 394 People of Color in Recovery – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging







    * 403 Inaction and Reaction: Navigating the Path to Meaningful Action







    * 9 Step 2







    * 296 Spiritual Awakenings and Experiences







    * 358 Al-Anon after Divorce







    * 354 Making Decisions









    Music











    Lean on Me – Bill Withers

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Working the Steps – 405

    Working the Steps – 405

    The 12 steps are indispensable in the journey towards healing. They can spark enlightenment, foster growth, and propel personal transformation. In this episode, Spencer, Karen, and other contributors explore several approaches to working the 12 steps.







    Acknowledging Variety and Personalizing the Process







    12-step recovery does not have a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Members apply the steps to their own lives in differing ways. The Al-Anon literature includes several guides to the steps, and sponsors may suggest yet other approaches. Some members may need to start with a deep exploration of their powerlessness, while others may need “emotional detox” before they can even start looking at the Steps.  







    The Importance of Sponsors in the Recovery Journey







    Assistance from sponsors, mentors, or “fellow travelers” can be instrumental in easing the 12-step process. Whether helping with the complex aspects of the journey or offering insights for self-development, the value offered by mentors can be immeasurable. Often, sponsors can help people identify the steps they need to apply the most, thereby confronting the challenge head-on.







    Working the Steps: Different Approaches, Same Journey 







    In the realm of recovery, three popular tools to work the steps in Al-Anon are the books Paths to Recovery, Blueprint for Progress, and Reaching for Personal Freedom..







    Paths to Recovery offers a comprehensive guide through the 12 steps, with some questions that help focus thoughts and inspire deep reflection. It may present a long journey, sometimes up to two years per complete cycle, but with patience and perseverance, progress can be made.







    Blueprint for Progress, another workbook, provides a detailed walk through Step four, conducting a deep dive into one's inventory, listing shortcomings and assets alike.







    Reaching for Personal Freedom is a newer book. It guides an examination of the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts, focusing on how these can be applied to our personal lives.







    The common thread with these books is their focus on applying the 12 steps to daily life, transforming not only habits but an entire inner worldview. 







    Overcoming Challenges: The Essence of Step Four 







    Step Four, involving a ‘Fearless and searching moral inventory,' can be challenging. It is during the process of Step Four that the strength and support of a sponsor becomes critical. Often, a sponsor will suggest a particular practice of working Step 4, usually because it is the way they have worked that step in their own recovery.  Some have found the “4 column” approach described in the book Alcoholics Anonymous to be useful. As a sponsor, however, we should also be sensitive to whether the proposed approach is working well for the person we are guiding.







    An Ongoing Learning Process







    Working the steps is an ongoing learning process, finding new layers of understanding and inner growth at every step. Some of us have found that we can apply the 12 Steps to particular incidents or actions in our lives, whether alcohol is involved or not. Sometimes a quick run through the steps can lead us to “promptly admitting” our faults, as suggested by Step 10. For most of us, working the steps is not “one and done” but is a lifelong process of personal growth. It is truly about a journey,

    • 1 hr 18 min
    Experience, Strength and Hope from the 2023 Al-Anon International Convention – 404

    Experience, Strength and Hope from the 2023 Al-Anon International Convention – 404

    Did you attend the 2023 Al-Anon International Convention? If you didn't, have you wondered what it was like? In this episode, Heather, Racheal, and Spencer share our expectations of the convention, what happened at the convention, what we learned, and what we are bringing home.















    Contact the show







    You can leave a voicemail at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecovery.show with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.















    Music from the Show











    The Beatles – All You Need is Love

    • 22 min
    Inaction and Reaction: Navigating the Path to Meaningful Action – 403

    Inaction and Reaction: Navigating the Path to Meaningful Action – 403

    In our lives, we often find ourselves faced with situations that require us to make decisions. We have a choice to either react impulsively or take a moment to consider our actions. This interplay between inaction and reaction can shed light on how we navigate life's complexities. Let's delve deeper into the concepts of inaction, reaction, and the transformative power of taking meaningful action.







    The Dance of Inaction and Reaction







    Our primitive “lizard brain” responds when faced with unexpected or challenging situations. Our initial response can be inaction, an attempt to freeze and hope the problem goes away. We struggle with discomfort and uncertainty, hoping it's not real. However, when it becomes clear that inaction is not viable, our lizard brain's second response can be to run away.







    Recovery introduces a new way of dealing with these situations. We learn to create a period of inner waiting and preparation before deciding on an appropriate course of action. We move away from immediate reactions and step into a space of awareness, acceptance, and ultimately, meaningful action.







    Seeking Guidance







    Spencer and Eric look at tools and strategies for dealing with inaction and reaction. One powerful tool is seeking guidance from our higher power, a sponsor or a trusted person. Prayer and meditation can reveal our higher power's will for us. By reaching out to others, we gain different perspectives and can find the courage to move forward.







    Taking Time for Self-reflection







    Another valuable tool is the practice of self-reflection. Whether through journaling, physical activity, or prayer and meditation, taking time to calm the mind can help us navigate our emotions and make more informed decisions. By becoming aware of our motives and feelings, we can avoid falling into the trap of impulsive reactions and find a more balanced approach.







    The Power of Choosing Our Attitude







    A quote from Victor Frankl suggests that in the time between a stimulus and our response, there lies a space where we have the power to choose our attitude. Even in challenging circumstances, we have the freedom to choose how we respond. By embracing this perspective, we can transform our reactions and inactions into actions that align with our values.







    Supporting a Loved One's Challenges







    We (Eric and Spencer) share our experience of supporting loved ones dealing with mental health challenges. We found we could maintain a balance between support and enabling, allowing our loved ones to navigate their difficulties, while providing a non-judgmental presence. 







    Conclusion







    As we explore the dance between inaction and reaction, one thing becomes clear: the choices we make in these moments shape the trajectory of our lives. By cultivating awareness, seeking guidance, and choosing our attitudes, we empower ourselves to break free from impulsive reactions and embrace meaningful action. We hope that sharing our own experience, strength, and hope will enable you to  gain valuable insights into how to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.







    So, next time we find ourselves at the crossroads of inaction and reaction, let's remember to pause, reflect, and choose our response wisely. By doing so, we can embark on a path of personal growth, empowered decision-making, and the fulfillment that comes from living a life aligned with our values.







    Readings and Links







    We opened with a reading from Hope for Today October 15, and included the reading for August 14 later in our conve...

    • 1 hr 26 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
1.4K Ratings

1.4K Ratings

gtcrawford ,

Grateful

This podcast has taught me so much on my journey & I’m forever grateful for showing me a path to serenity. No quick fixes yet hope abounds.

Cliffroberts ,

Real stories about recovery from the effects of alcohol and addiction

I found The Recovery Show from a recommendation from someone in one of my Al-Anon meetings

It is without question one of the most valuable podcasts of all the ones available

The host has a gentle tone, just like someone who has been to many Al-Anon meetings They have guests that tell real stories about real recovery, and how they experienced strength and hope has brought them through to have real lives of serenity

I can’t recommend this podcast more - for anyone who is trying to understand how their lives have been affected by addiction, and how to find happiness and answers in their lives

MichePie ,

Amazing

This show is absolutely amazing. I’m not sure how I started listening to it. I’m not a recovering alcoholic but I do have some mental health struggles that this podcast helps me with. It’s so relatable and helpful and soothing. I feel like I’m in a therapy. I may have done a general search on a topic I needed help with and this podcast came up as a suggestion. Whatever the reason I am very grateful. Thank you.

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