When I came to Al‑Anon several months ago, I had no idea of the serenity I would start to enjoy in time. During my first few weeks of attending meetings, I was exhausted, frazzled, and fearful, but I heard the message “Keep Coming Back.” I am mortified by having to speak in a group setting, so I struggled at first. However, I also felt strong condemnation within myself for not sharing. Then someone told me that there are no musts in Al‑Anon. I could say a few words or pass and that was just fine. Now, I am baby-stepping my way to recovery. I can say thanks to the speaker and I can listen with the hope that, when I am ready, I will be able to share my own experience, strength, and hope more deeply from my heart. I am ever so grateful that Al‑Anon is a program of “Progress Not Perfection.”
By Karin W., California
The Forum, June 2019
My wife is an alcoholic. She lies about her drinking and it currently drinking 1 to 2 bottles of wine a day. She doesn’t work out side the home. She is a medical transcript professional that works remotely from home. Her job is failing because of her drinking. Please understand she is still the love of my life and do understand that healing from this addiction is ultimately her decision. But as her husband I’ll fight to my very last breath to try to direct her into the best and safest treatment. After 5 years of alcohol abuse she finally… Read more »
My brother moved in promised to not drink went to 4 months of in rehab and is now after 2 weeks drinking again I just can’t take anymore I want him to leave but he will not he keeps drinking
I was encouraged to come to Al-Anon by my doctor years ago. I avoided it because I didn’t think it fit my situation. I was in denial about my loved one’s drinking and the effect it was having on me. I have now been coming for over a month. I have been to over 6 meetings. I leave each meeting feeling uplifted, inspired and strengthened. I was full of sadness when I entered my first meeting weeks ago, there I met some elderly sweethearts that didn’t look at all like me or even look like we would have anything in… Read more »
I have been attending Alanon for 7 months…and it has been the best & bravest decision I have ever made for my life! It took me 3 years to get miserable enough to put my fears on the back burner…For those of you waiting…Come Join Us and “Keep Coming Back”!
When I first came to Al-Anon, I also felt a lot of fear and discomfort with the idea of speaking in a group setting. Sometimes well-meaning members “nudged” me to share in a way that left me feeling judged or like some kind of failure. I’m grateful for my Sponsor who encouraged me to have faith in Progress, Not Perfection, and to trust a Higher Power to help me speak when the time was right. Your share is perfectly worded. I now have a new tool for helping others understand… some of us simply need more time in the program… Read more »
Thank you so much for sharing. I think I desperately need to start attending these Al-Anon meetings
I’ve been in Al-Anon for about a year and a half and I’m just now starting to really understand what is being said. I thank God every day for somehow forcing me to start attending meeting. I now have times of serenity that I haven’t had for years. It’s a long road but one that is worth traveling.