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
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
From Worry to Wonder
I have been a worrier since childhood, and I had reason to be. My mother developed rheumatoid arthritis at 35 and spent years in a wheelchair. My father drank too much beer and had mood swings that ranged
When Resentment Is a Signal
I have heard in the program that if I am full of resentment, it's time to look at myself. I became tired of feeling angry and victimized. I sat with my anger long enough to realize that it
Preserving Our Shared Journey: Archives and Digital Innovation in Al-Anon
Across the Al-Anon fellowship, archives play a vital role in preserving our shared history, wisdom, and growth. Whether meeting flyers, newsletters, or personal reflections, these materials tell the story of how members around the world have found healing
From Letters to Logins: WSO’s Role in Our Mobile App
As we celebrate 75 years of Al-Anon Family Groups, we honor the vision of Lois W. and Anne B. who founded the Clearing House in 1951 to share the collective wisdom of members with members. Through letters, newsletters,
Something Great: The 2026 International Al‑Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM), Slovenia, Europe
The International Al-Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM) is held biennially. The International Coordination Committee (ICC) invites Delegates from all the General Service Offices (GSOs) to attend. Each GSO can elect two International Delegates to participate in the IAGSM.
An Al-Anon Group Is an Al‑Anon Group—Even Online
I wasn’t sure what bothered me about electronic Al‑Anon groups when I first started attending them. They were new and different to me, and with my camera off and a made-up name, I could be completely invisible.
I Didn’t Want to Look at Myself
When I look back at my past decisions, I can honestly say that I spent more time trying to fix others than working on myself. I probably did this because I didn’t want to look at my defects.