I'm glad you found support. You are right, being the spouse of an alcoholic does make you feel isolated. You definately needed that to start healing.

That's awesome I'm glad you have found a good group. Great job! First step towards healing

That's amazing you went! I have yet to make it actually make it inside and sit down at one, so i definitely understand the difficulty. Attempt #3 was this past weekend, I drove 45 minutes to one, because I desperately needed help after an argument with my drinking husband and it was the only one avail at that time. I walked inside to use the restroom before the meeting started and I started sobbing uncontrollably! I ended up leaving because I was so upset and ended up sitting in my car throughout the length of the meeting. By the time the meeting was done, my car was dead and I had to ask one of the group attendees to jump my car (make-up smeared and all!) As one of the gentleman that helped and consoled me said, "God works in mysterious ways" and "the first one is definitely the hardest". Needless to say, I'll be going back to that meeting this week. :)

Mjb, I agree with the sentiment that the first one is hard. I think what surprised me was how much everything that was said resonated with me and my experiences. And how there are not just spouses there (like I expected), but parents and children of alcoholics too. And the focus is so positive! The positivity is cathartic and soothes the hurt so much. I cried the whole time, but I think it was because I felt like I'd finally found a place of understanding. The first the for everything is awkward. I still haven't gone back, the holidays got in the way of my best intentions, but I definitely will this week. New year, new me. ;) Wishing you the best!!! Hugs to you all!