I really didn’t want to go to Al‑Anon. It wasn’t for me. I didn’t grow up in an alcoholic home, and I didn’t think much about my ex-fiancé’s alcoholism. I just thought the chaos that permeated my family life and my relationship with my partner was normal. What other normal was there?

I came to Al‑Anon when I couldn’t deal with it anymore and had nowhere else to turn. I hoped the door was locked. Maybe, intuitively, I knew I would have to start working through the years of pain and ineffective coping mechanisms that were doing me in.

I am so glad the Al‑Anon doors were open. People welcomed me. It was okay to cry. More importantly, the doors of my soul began to open, and I finally understood the reasons for my anxiety, panic attacks, pain, fear, and anger.

I am so grateful to Al‑Anon for showing me a new chance at life.

By Anonymous, Manitoba
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017