Balancing Legal and Traditional Authority at the Area Level
Have you ever wondered how Tradition Nine, which states, “Our groups, as such, ought never be organized …” applies to your group, Al-Anon Information Service (AIS), District, or Area? What does this mean when your group wants to open
“Le lien” and “Al-Anon y Alateen en acción”: When Recovery Is Found in Translation!
Alongside The Forum, the French and Spanish magazines Le lien and Al‑Anon y Alateen en acción support families and friends of alcoholics as part of Al‑Anon’s worldwide fellowship. As we celebrate 75 years of dedication and contributions, join us
Translating Conference Approved Literature, Part 2: One Message, Many Languages
Al-Anon’s strength lies in the many way members help care for and carry our message. The articles Translating Conference Approved Literature, Part 1 and Part 2 introduce the independent review process that ensures translated Conference Approved Literature (CAL) is
Translating Conference Approved Literature, Part 1: Equals and Partners in a Spiritual Endeavor
Al-Anon’s strength lies in the many way members help care for and carry our message. The articles Translating Conference Approved Literature, Part 1 and Part 2 introduce the independent review process that ensures translated Conference Approved Literature (CAL) is
Staying on My Side of the Court
I hadn't played tennis for many years but took it up again after my marriage to an alcoholic ended. Although I really enjoyed playing, I would often finish a game feeling angry and resentful toward my opponent. During
Caring for the Parent Who Didn’t Care for Me
I didn’t realize I was raised in alcoholism. Mine felt like a typical Gen X childhood—latchkey kid, caring for younger siblings, parents who worked hard and partied harder. Only later did I understand the instability and trauma that
Stepping Off the Merry-Go-Round
Before I came to Al-Anon, there were two merry-go-rounds whirling in my life, like an echo or double vision. One revolved around my older brother, who was also severely affected by alcoholism and who began mimicking our father’s sickness, behaving violently toward our mother and me. I,
I Found My Voice
Growing up, the alcoholism in my family was kept a secret. Both my parents were alcoholics, though that's not to say they weren't great parents. I have many memories of snuggling up with them after coming in from playing
What Is “Equalized Expense”?
The term “Equalized Expense” first appeared in a 1960 letter from Sue L., Chairperson of the Conference Committee. Sue’s letter described how Delegate expenses to the first World Service Conference (WSC) in 1961 would be funded. Because the
“Beyond the Group Level”—Clarifying Our World Service Application Language
Members know that in Al‑Anon we love our phrases and acronyms. One of the most familiar—the “Three Cs”—offers hope to newcomers as they learn, “We didn’t cause the disease of alcoholism, we cannot control it, and we can’t
If I Am Aware, I Am Responsible
Years ago, I decided to branch out and find an additional meeting to attend in the town where I lived. There were limited choices in this relatively small community, including a local meeting I attended occasionally. What I
I Put Myself First
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I never realized how deeply I was affected by growing up in an alcoholic family. However, attending Al‑Anon meetings slowly but surely taught me how to take care of myself. For a long time, I never put