Warning: you’re about to read something that will be difficult to swallow. It was posted by an alcoholic from another website. And although it might be tough, I think hearing it will help you understand that starting your recovery is the most important, life-changing step you can make.   If you want a happier, more peaceful life, you can start with the one thing this disease can’t control - YOU. The change that needs to be made in your life starts with you. Are you ready to hear the truth? Here are some words from an alcoholic… My name is _______ and I am an alcoholic. This is what alcoholics do. You cannot and will not change my behavior. You cannot make me treat you any better, let alone with any respect. All I care about, all I think about, is my needs and how to go about fulfilling them. You are a tool to me. Something to use. When I say I love you, I am lying through my teeth because it is impossible for someone who is an active alcoholic. I wouldn't be drinking if I loved myself. Since I don't, I cannot love you. My feelings are pushed down and numbed by my alcohol. I have no empathy for you or anyone else. It doesn't faze me that I leave you hungry, lie to you, cheat, and steal from you. My behavior will not change and cannot change until I make a decision to stop drinking and follow it up with a plan of action. And until I make that decision I will continue to hurt you over and over again. Stop being surprised. I am an alcoholic and this is what alcoholics do. I know... this gets you right in the gut. I really debated posting this because it’s not very encouraging, is it? But what if this is a great starting point? What if we come to accept this as the truth and start our lives over from here? We don’t have to leave or stay and we don’t have to stop loving them. We can begin to rebuild our lives knowing that all things can change (including our partner's sobriety) if we just stop putting all our energy into their addiction. Our healing begins when we stop looking for what we need from people who are unable to give it to us. What if we make a healthier stronger choice and start putting our energy into our own healing and grow in our spirituality? If you haven’t joined us in one of our programs and you want to find answers, hope, and happiness, what are you waiting for? Click here to check out the details. Our programs are offered for just $25 a month. If they are spending money on their bad habits, making an investment in your family's future is a better choice, don’t you think?