I am diverting from the 'normal path' here to explain abit about the Emotions Anonymous group and it's purpose.

Emotions Anonymous is ABOUT emotions and how I react, respond and deal with my emotional 'stuff', in particular how my life has become nearly unlivable due to my emotional 'dis-eases'. The Program of Emotions Anonymous is about how I can work this 12 Step Program to live one day at a time in better sanity and serenity.


The basis of my 'problem' is powerlessness over my emotions. Period. Not alchohol, not drugs, but my emotional responses to life. I may also have these addictions or compulsions as well, but my underlying issue is emotional.

I personally have suffered from low grade depression most of my life although no one would guess it unless they knew me intimately.  I have also had periods of anxiety and panic attacks so disturbing I was afraid to eat (anorexia), afraid to go outside (agorophobia) and other 'emotional' illnesses.

The Program of Emotions Anonymous has helped me to become sane again.


I have the recommended literature from Emotions Anonymous International that includes:

Emotions Anonymous (self-titled)
Today (Daily meditations)
It Works If You Work It

I purchased from Emotions Anonymous International at my meetings. They are also available on their website along with newletter subscriptions and other literature:

http://www.emotionsanonymous.org/

There are lists of meetings in various areas all over the world, accessible from this site too. Check out the 'tools' at the bottom of the page, which guide you to the book store, meetings nearest you etc.

Hope this is helpful to those who are unfamiliar with Emotions Anonymous.

Jess Lair was an Emotions Anonymous supporter (member) and wrote such books as "I Ain't Much, Baby--But I'm All I've Got" - some may be familiar with EA this way....

Cheers,
ML 

Hi This is my first post.

I have been a member of Alanon 22 years. Although I have never gone to an E.A meeting I have much of their literature. I read their daily reading book every day. I also have a book (foreword by Jess Lair) called Afraid to Live Afraid to Die. It is excellent.

Even in my Al-Anon meetings I try to focus many of my responses to dealing with emotions.

Thank you so much ML for passing on that important information on Emotions Anonymous. When I was not able to stay stopped from using drugs, I found out that a very important cause of my repeated relapses was my depression and anxiety. For a short while in 2003-2004 I did try out Emotions Anonymous online for this very reason and it did help me understand how much powerless I was over my emotions. But I never went deeper into it. So I was glad to get your ESH, from someone who has been in the EA program forawhile. Warm Regards & Fellowship Love.