How I Finally Began to Understand Serenity
Struggling with the need for clarity when dealing with abstract concepts, I have always wanted to know what something is. After 15 years in Al-Anon, I had no idea what serenity was. How could I tell I had
The Serenity I Saw in You
When I started going to meetings, I didn't know what made all of you so happy and content, but I wanted to feel that way. I kept coming back and, without even realizing it, I started feeling the
No longer Stuck in the Mud
Have you ever gotten your car stuck in the mud? The more you accelerate, the deeper the rut becomes. You’re not going to get out by spinning your wheels. Recently, someone in a meeting compared the neural pathways
When a Shipping Box Became a Lesson in Recovery
I heard about the concept of a “God Box” early in my Al-Anon program and thought it sounded ridiculous. Members explained that it was a place to put my fears, worries, and situations I kept obsessing over as
In Case of Misunderstanding
One day, as usual, my son didn’t call me back. I understood why. We had been estranged ever since I left his alcoholic father. While I know I didn’t cause, could not control or cure his father’s alcoholism,
Hello, Officer? My Spouse Is Driving Drunk
I still remember sharing at my local newcomers meeting less than six months into my recovery. My spouse was in the habit of drinking and driving, which both frightened and angered me. One night, I called the local
Share the Message, Protect the Source
As we gratefully practice Step Twelve and “carry this message to others” through our Conference Approved Literature (CAL), we are encouraged to remember that CAL is protected by copyright. Buying CAL supports Al‑Anon world services (Tradition Seven). Throughout
How to Host a Writing Workshop
Hosting or attending a writing workshop can feel intimidating. Many members may think, I’m not a writer, or My words aren’t as meaningful as someone else’s. Yet recovery has taught me that willingness matters more than perfection. A
A Wealth of Al-Anon Resources Also Available in French and Spanish
Did you know that al-anon.org offers a growing collection of resources in English, Spanish, and French? Whether you're looking for Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL), blogs, service tools, pamphlets, magazines, or online newsletters our website has you covered.
Celebrating CAL Milestone Anniversaries
As the Al-Anon fellowship celebrates our 75th anniversary throughout 2026, we also celebrate significant anniversaries of several pieces of Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL). 75 Years: Purpose and Suggestions (P-13): Although revised over the years, Al-Anon’s first pamphlet, written by
Attracting and Cooperating: Best Practices for Tradition Eleven
When we serve in public outreach, we share clear information without promotion or pressure, attracting people who are seeking help and cooperating with those who serve them. Even small efforts can help someone find hope and connection. Making
Anonymous Members, Visible Program
One of the first things we learn in Al‑Anon/Alateen is that members are anonymous—but the program is not. If Al‑Anon Family Groups were anonymous, how would newcomers ever find us? Because the program is not anonymous, Al‑Anon can have