Stepped away

I found that being part of support groups/networks early in my recovery was too stressful and too focused on alcohol. Yes, I have a problem with alcohol. Abuse of alcohol is a symptom, but it is not the root of the problem. Kind of like treating a person with an infection for the pain and fever, but not lancing and draining the wound or treating the organism causing the infection. I was in a situation where I was not allowed to have any emotions, reactions, opinions about a family situation without suffering verbal and emotional abuse. I have made some changes in how I react to my life, removed myself from dealings with un-healthy family members and acknowledged that losing someone will not kill me. Losing myself nearly did! 
I accepted that I am valuable and worthy of respect and if I am not important to myself, I am not important to anyone.