Growing up in an alcoholic home, I didn’t have much of a social life. I chose not to invite friends over because I feared that my father would be drinking and embarrass me in front of them. So, I turned to isolation as a means of self-preservation. That way, I could keep the family secret, and nobody would know what was going on in my home.
Even as an adult, I found myself actively avoiding a social life because it was so far out of my comfort zone. In my early 20s, with the emergence of the internet, I found a way to have a “social” life within my comfort zone. “Welcome! You’ve got mail” was my gateway between isolation and socialization. I had the ability to chat with people all around the world who had similar interests in music, sports, and hobbies. I was still alone, but I was no longer lonely.
Today, I have a new family in Al‑Anon, and as I work my program, I have learned that I need to actively avoid the isolation that has been and continues to be my default. With the Al‑Anon Family Groups Mobile App, I have more than 70 opportunities every week to connect with my Al‑Anon family, to make new friends, to add to my Al‑Anon toolkit, and to remind myself that I am worth the effort.
Here at the World Service Office, the AFG Mobile App project has been an example of “Progress Not Perfection.” We have learned so much about the needs of the fellowship, the needs of our members using the App, and the technical needs of the App itself. Since its launch in August 2020, we have added or improved many features, such as:
- Converted the “Timeline” into a social feed where members and newcomers can share socially in a safe space.
- Added reactions and comments to allow for loving conversations to take place.
- Added protections to ensure the App is a safe environment for everyone.
- Added a “Resources” section with links to various service documents and other important resources.
- Enhanced the Premium Content to include a wide variety of content that is both timely and thought-provoking.
The AFG Mobile App is a lifeline for over 75,000 members, so with meetings starting every few hours, I know that I can more easily connect to friends in Al‑Anon and avoid isolation.
By Scot P., Associate Director—Brand Communications
The Forum, February 2022
Feel free to reprint this article on your service arm website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.
This app is one of the best things that has happened to me. A family of people who get something that I’ve held alone and in secret for so long – who are at my fingertips! Thank you for this app. What a gift.
I just discovered the app too! I’m excited to dive in. Isolation is something I need to avoid.
Just For Today
I have a house with a family. They are there for me. They won’t be throwing me…nor belittling me….nor say oh poor pitiful you. They just listen and give the hand out to come back. I now have a HOME today not just a house whether alcoholism I live with or not. Thank You GOD for Bill & Lois ..FOR WSO…We THANK YOU for the Bill & Lois’s Families of TODAY
Found this app last week from another Al-Anon and was so excited
Just discovered app reading my forum copy too! Thanks for creating! Today’s Hope has been the only one I knew of for al-anon info before this.
Join the discussion
I’m sooo thankful for this app! Just found it today! I missed my Al-Anon Family a lot. I had gotten away from it over the years — well I’m back & I’m staying! By learning of this app I’ve posted a few posts and with the loving comments I received already I feel welcomed & at home 🏠 Thank you!!
Just discovered this app while reading this article in my AFG Forum mag….love the FORUM…LOVE AFG!!!
I love the Al-Anon Mobile App. It connects me with Al-Anon members readily. I appreciate the forward thinking in creating this app for all of us in Al-Anon.