Al‑Anon has turned out to be the very best thing I have ever done for myself. Although I knew that I didn’t cause the drinking, I can’t control it, and I can’t cure it, the disease of alcoholism in our family was destroying all of us. I had already gone to individual counseling and read many self-help books, but I didn’t find any hope from them. I couldn’t recover and have a good life until I started going to Al‑Anon meetings. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but I started feeling better from the very first meeting. Today there are more drinkers in our family than ever, but my husband and I have a good life; we are happy and fully self-supporting. We give most of the credit for that to this wonderful program.
By Jill K., Florida
The Forum, January 2019
I’ve finally decided to get help, too late for our marriage, but not too late for me and our son. I wish I would have realized that her drinking was as much my problem as it was hers, maybe even more in a way as I was the one who disappeared from our relationship and from life in general as a result. Nervous about joining an Al-Anon group (nervous about being around other people in general anyway), but committed to make a change.
I went to an al-anon meeting years ago and sat there in tears for the whole time! The warmth and understanding I felt in that room was overwhelming! They told me to come back and I never did ! The biggest mistake! Here I am 4 years later still in the same position with an alcoholic husband and no support!
I have been “dealing” with my alcoholic brother for more than 10 years. I have “helped” him thru at least 4 DUIs. He’s been to jail and even sentenced to and spent 30 days in jail, been thru a 1 year outpatient court appointed rehab. He’s recently been court ordered not to touch alcohol after me and our brother bonded him out from charges bc of alcohol. He slowly started drinking again new year’s Eve (that I’m aware) and 2 days ago publicly displayed his drunkenness at our place of employment. I told him 2 times ago “this is the… Read more »
Feeling afraid of attending an Al-Anon meeting is normal. Many family members struggle with how to deal with their loved one’s problem drinking and coming together in Al-Anon groups has helped them find the support they need. If you decide to try an Al-Anon meeting, you’ll find out, like so many people have, that you are not alone. You will be surprised when you hear other people sharing their story, and it is almost identical to your own story. No one will tell you what to do, but they will share what they did and how it helped them. If… Read more »
I need to go to a meeting. I am fearful for some reason. Is this normal?
What was the turning point for you? I feel like all we do is talk in circles about the drinking.
There is hope for me.