Intimacy – Episode 141

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Intimacy requires dialog, transparency, vulnerability and reciprocity; it is sustained through well-developed emotional and interpersonal awareness; it comes from a center of self-knowledge and self differentiation; and it evolves through reciprocal self disclosure and candor.

Spencer recently was a speaker at an open panel meeting titled “The Effects of Alcoholism and Addiction on Intimacy and Sexual Relationships”. Hear his sharing about how his ability to be intimate was damaged by alcoholism, and how he is rediscovering intimacy in recovery.

Tom and Grace also attended the panel, and we talk about what we expected, what happened, and how it touched us.

Grace shares her experience as an organizer of the meeting. We recognize that these topics are not ones that we frequently talk about in our meetings. Intimacy and sex are severely affected in alcoholic relationships, and we need to be talking about them more than we do.

One upcoming topic is recovery in divorce. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

Links

The Al-Anon WSO is soliciting shares for a new publication on Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships. If you would like to share your experience, strength, and hope, please use these guidelines to do so.

Claire recommended these books for Adult Children: Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet Woititz or Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (aka The Big Red Book).

Music from the show

Tori Amos: Enjoy the Silence

Jamyang: Things We Ought to Say

Vienna Teng: Eric's Song

 

 

2 comments on “Intimacy – Episode 141

  1. SOLANGE says:

    My name is Solange I am a grateful Al-anon and I did not donate to this episode but it was for ME!!! I just recently started listening to your podcast I found it by accident desperate to hear some experience strength and hope. My Higher Power brought me right here I needed to hear this message because I am struggling with this same issue. I thought I was the only one but I was so able to relate and actually be honest and open to my husband. am looking forward to hearing everything you all have to share, you have got me hooked. Thank you!

  2. Rachel says:

    I think that its a bit biased when you talk about your partner and how they changed. What’s their take on it? So they began drinking and you didn’t like it but from what you chose to share they continued to want a sexual intimacy – you vaguely admitted that as things weren’t going the way you wanted, found some kind of solace in someone else, its an old old story! What’s your partners take? How about a AA/Alanon shared meeting, for balance.

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