Alcoholism first affected me late in life. When my adult daughter started attending A.A. meetings, one of the members there suggested I attend Al‑Anon. I was so anxious to “help” her that I soon found a meeting. At first, nothing much registered with me. So, I tried a women’s meeting and a few others. It felt like nothing had relevance to what I was going through.
Finally, I found a meeting for parents of alcoholics and felt at home immediately. Here was a group of people who knew what my life was like. They understood that I wanted to fix everything for my daughter—after all, isn’t that what parents do? I learned that I could not “save” her from the disease. I needed to detach with love, which was difficult for me. I detached from my daughter instead of the disease.
I started reading Al‑Anon literature daily and became acquainted with the slogans. The slogans are primarily what I rely on. In moments of craziness, I call other members for support. I’ve also started socializing with fellow Al‑Anon members, which reinforces that support. I’ve not been in Al‑Anon long, but I’ve found a new way of thinking and helping myself deal with difficulties. I am more peaceful.
By Anonymous
The Forum, May 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.