“I couldn’t believe others were going through the same struggles that I was going through!”
After a knock-down, drag-out argument with my husband, I finally could see my part in the situation and how I contributed to our alcoholic relationship.
The next week, I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting. I nervously entered the church building, and smiling members warmly greeted me saying, “So happy you are here.” I heard members reveal themselves with great honesty and courage. It blew me away to hear so much of what I was feeling in other people’s stories. While our situations may have been different, the feelings surrounding them were shockingly alike.
I couldn’t believe others were going through the same struggles that I was going through! This meeting was not a group of complainers, but rather a room full of people authentically sharing their experience, strength and hope.
After a few months of attending weekly meetings and working with an Al‑Anon Sponsor, my loved ones started to notice changes in me. Consequently, the changes occurred not just in me but in those around me too. My relationships began to improve because of the healthy boundaries I was learning to set. My husband even reinvigorated his own Twelve Step program.
I have learned not only to like myself, but also to love who I really am. When I’m among my Al‑Anon family, I feel most like my true self. After learning in the program that I have choices, I’m grateful that attending Al‑Anon is one of the choices I made.

Holly E., Georgia