Before I came to Al‑Anon, a counselor told me that my soul was dry. I had no idea what she meant. I was angry and frustrated, and I blamed others for my problems. My dad drank too much, but I didn’t know he was an alcoholic. Growing up in a family where drinking was normal, I had no knowledge of the family disease. I learned that I am an adult child of an alcoholic and was encouraged to go to Al‑Anon. It made all the difference.
I learned that I didn’t cause the alcoholism, I couldn’t control it, and I can’t cure it. I started to pray to something greater than myself even though I didn’t know what that was. In Al‑Anon, I heard the suggestion to “act as if” to begin to develop trust in something. I got a Sponsor and slowly started working the Steps.
Now, I have faith that all is well and that I will be okay no matter what. I believe in a loving Higher Power, and the fear that I once felt is gone, because I don’t try to do everything myself. I am no longer alone, and I look to my Higher Power whenever I need support.
By Amy S.
The Forum, June 2025
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, Virginia, USA.