As someone who has been affected by the family disease of alcoholism, I tend to be sensitive to inconsistencies. When something feels “off,” or when I am getting mixed signals or conflicting messages, I get nervous, and a little voice in my head starts clamoring to know what is really going on here and what is expected of me in this situation. Before Al‑Anon, if I didn’t correctly interpret my alcoholic loved one’s expectations of me, I was often subjected to a torrent of rage and verbal abuse.

In Al‑Anon, I learned that I didn’t have to tolerate unacceptable behavior. I also learned I wasn’t a mind reader and didn’t have to guess at the expectations hidden within differing messages. I learned I could pause, breathe, ask questions, seek clarity, and consider context.

Here at the World Service Office, we have received questions about the “inconsistencies” between introductions to the Twelve Steps in various pieces of Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL). Some members have been concerned that differences in the introductory text amounted to changes to the Legacies without written permission of three-quarters of all Al‑Anon Family Groups (see item 3.d. in the World Service Conference Charter, 2022-2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual [P-24/27], p. 228).

But members can rest assured that none of the introductions preceding the Steps, Traditions, or Concepts of Service were part of the original wording of the Legacies themselves. Their purpose is to provide a brief explanation geared toward the specific audience of each piece, which, of course, varies. The two most commonly used introductions to the Steps are these:

  1. “Because of their proven power and worth, A.A.’s Twelve Steps have been adopted almost word for word by Al‑Anon. They represent a way of life appealing to all people of goodwill, of any religious faith or of none. Note the power of the very words.”
  2. “Study of these Steps is essential to progress in Al‑Anon. The principles they embody are universal, applicable to everyone, whatever his personal creed. In Al‑Anon, we strive for an ever-deeper understanding of these Steps, and pray for the wisdom to apply them to our lives.”

The first introduction has been a part of “Al‑Anon and Alateen Groups at Work” since its first printing in 1964. In addition to “Groups at Work” in the Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), it also appears in How Can I Help My Children (P-9), Purpose and Suggestions (P-13), and Many Voices, One Journey (B-31).

The second was added to One Day at a Time in Al‑Anon (B-6) in 1972, for its sixth printing. Previous printings did not have the Steps listed. This introduction is also found in This Is Al‑Anon (P-32), Courage to Change (B-16), Paths to Recovery (B-24), Hope for Today (B-27), Opening Our Hearts, Transforming Our Losses (B-29), Discovering Choices (B-30), Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships (B-33), and A Little Time for Myself (B-34).

When I pause to consider the contexts of each, I appreciate how the differences in these two introductions help me set expectations for myself based on the situation. Reading “Because of their proven power and worth…” during the opening at a meeting establishes what we as a group are doing, what our foundation is, and what I, as a member of my group, have to share with the newcomer. Reading “Study of these Steps is essential to progress…” in whatever CAL I am studying reminds me that my growth and recovery in Al‑Anon depends upon striving “for an ever-deeper understanding of these Steps” personally. Ultimately, I find no inconsistency between such worthy aims.

By Carol C., Associate Director—Literature

The Forum, December 2024

“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff, and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.