Back to DalesPlace
There are many situations and human
experiences that can leave us human beings feeling we don't have a clue - that leave us
unable to successfully cope. The world we live in is full of them - it can be our work,
family, jobs, skin color, ethnic background, religion, an injury, or the death of someone
close. Life does not come with an instruction book, so there is no surprise that we
encounter aspects of life that we are not prepared for.
Some of us have turned to alcohol as a way of blunting that inability to cope. Others have
turned to other drugs. Or food. Or television. Or sex. Or gambling. Or shopping. Or the
internet. The list is endless. With all of these ways of avoiding the things we do not
know how to cope with, we can get caught up in a vicious circle where the very thing we
used to help us get through becomes our greatest enemy. Once the cycle starts, it seems to
take on a life of its own and we no longer have any control over it - we become powerless.
None among us wants to admit to being powerless - to admit that our lives are out of
control. There seems an almost inborn shame associated with doing so. But, what if it is
not shameful? What if instead, it is a very normal human response to adversity
beyond our current ability and skill? What if we can learn to take control back?
The message in this page is that if you feel your life is out of control, there is help.
There are hundreds of self-help and recovery groups to provide guidance to breaking the
cycle and getting control of our lives back. The internet resources listed below are only
a few ways to contact help. The links themselves lead to other sources. Your local phone
book is also a source. Your doctor may be able to direct you. The point is, if you have a
need for help and ask, you will be able to find it.
Back to DalesPlace
The opinions expressed are those of the author,
Dale Sampson , and in no way should they be
construed to represent Alcoholic Anonymous or any other organization.