When I first came to Al‑Anon, I knew I was in the right place when I heard the Al‑Anon Suggested Welcome. When the Chairperson read, “We who live, or have lived, with the problem of alcoholism understand as perhaps few others can,” I felt hope for the first time in a very long time. I noticed that the group members seemed at ease. I was the opposite. I was anxious and my stomach was in knots all of the time. Because of the comfort and warmth I felt at my first meeting, I kept going back. Today, I am so glad I did, even though it felt inconvenient and a little uncomfortable at the time.
By Allison T., Oklahoma
The Forum, October 2020
Feel free to reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.
My father was an alcoholic, and had sexually abused me as a child when he was blackout drunk. On the outside, we were a normal, happy, well-known family in our community. Hard to believe, but it was true. I put what happened to me far away in a tiny box and never looked at it. It wasn’t a constant thing, to my knowledge it only happened once. So it was easier for me to forget about it. Then, when I was a teenager, he did the same thing to my sister, and her close friend. This devastated our entire family… Read more »
I left my husband 5 days ago when he started using again. I can’t live with his addiction anymore. There is always an excuse as to why he relapses. I am feeling deeply depressed after a phone call from him this morning (Christmas day) where he was obviously using. As soon as I could hear his slurring speech I hung up. I need to find the strength to stop putting myself through this vicious cycle. I want to be free of this sadness and hopefully someday to know what real love feels like.
This my first time commenting in this app….I’m feeling hopeless right about now. My husband’s drinking makes me feel helpless. We have 2 children together, luckily my little one doesn’t really realize what’s goes on but my oldest, even though doesn’t say much about it, i think he’s very smart & knows exactly what happens when dad starts going out for a couple of hours, comes back home, goes to sleep and repeats the same routine for 3-5 days every so often. At times, I try to ask myself if he’s an alcoholic because he doesn’t drink every day, he… Read more »
I am new to to this platform. My husband is coming up on his 2 year AA Anniversary for alcoholism. I don’t know if it’s still a celebration because I’m trying to help him now again as he’s recreational using and abusing his anti depressants. I finally got him to open a bit more about his inner feelings and make another Dr appointment for a referral. There’s just so much and I don’t know how to keep supporting him as much as I want to I’m loosing focus on everything else. I have so many goals. I’m a mother of… Read more »
I am new to opening up about my life and my husband’s addiction.. it scares me to death, but I feel so empty and alone and defeated. I don’t know where to turn most days. His lies and the cheating and empty promises…drinking cases daily then the bourbon… I just feel numb inside.
This my first time on the ap. I really know nothing about Al-Anon. I just know I need something to hold onto before I completely give up on my wife. Our deal from the beginning was never lie and never cheat. I can’t deal with the hiding and sneaking of alcohol and the denial it happens. Now 2 weeks after a DUI she isn’t drinking but willing to go get someone else’s prescription to take to her daughter who is flying in a few days but too lazy to call the doctor and get her own script. Serious, haven’t seen… Read more »
I am new to Al-Anon. I have attended a few online meetings. I hope to get support on how to cope with an alcoholic partner.
I am afraid. To attend my first meeting. To face my addiction to arrogance which is as destructive as the drinker’s drinking. It was my friend in the middle of a detox who confronted me on facing my needs.
I’m hoping to get some better insight on my husband’s drinking problem and how it effects me
How do I join I’m with the most wonderful man after years of looking . However he is alcoholic and a month in to the relationship the cracks are showing . I’ve known him 8 years and love him dearly
I’m new to Al-Anon. I’m searching for support for those who live with alcoholics.
My son over the years has relapsed a few times and each time is worse than the last. I began to feel hopeless. My friend said as long as there is a breath in his body you cannot give up hope! I got back into my Al-Anon program and began to hope again. Now when he is clean and sober I enjoy every moment I can spend with him. When he is using/drinking I detach with love and pray he makes it through again.
Hope is what I have found. Our group is called Hope and Peace. Just saying the name helps. I have had an opportunity to talk to my Grandson recently as he is going through a lot due to his partner’s alcoholism. Hope is what I have for them. I just keep going to meetings, sharing and working the Steps. If it helped someone like me I know it will help you too! We have a Higher Power who works on the sidelines when we feel helpless. It takes time and effort but the rewards are believably well worth it. Thank… Read more »
Hope is fantastic 🌹