I heard about Al‑Anon many years ago when my therapist suggested I attend to help with my alcoholic husband. I had lived with the disease with my father, and now I found myself in its clutches again. I did attend a meeting, but did not feel that Al‑Anon was for me. I stiffened up and thought if he does not stop drinking, this marriage is over. Since the program is not a blueprint for getting him sober, I did not return.
I now have a child who is an alcoholic, but I cannot divorce her. I came to Al‑Anon to cure the alcoholic, but I have stayed because I am the one getting cured. My daughter was the one who encouraged me to attend Al‑Anon. I did not see what the disease was doing to me; I only saw what it was doing to her. Finding a group for parents of alcoholics was a blessing. I was willing to admit I needed help and my life had become unmanageable. Her drinking was causing me time in the hospital, time away from friends and family, and time away from any joy. I needed help realizing I was as sick as my daughter.
Al‑Anon has provided the only hope for the possibility of change and a healthier, happier life, “whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.” I found a way to overcome the devastating effects of this terrible disease. I keep coming back because my meetings are my spiritual home.
By Suzanne F., Colorado
The Forum, December 2019
I have had experience with Al-Anon. First with my abusive ex-husband, and now I find myself having to reach out again because of my forty year old alcoholic daughter. In some ways Ithink the first time around was easier. My daughter says she wants to quit drinking. I have not begged nor pleaded, just gave her the facts. At the rate she’s going she will be in a coffin within five years. She knows AA because she used to go with her grandmother. I am not pushing her to AA right now because my sister goes and she (my sister)… Read more »
Al-Anon Family Groups offer a large list of electronic meetings on a variety of platforms, including email, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, and phone. In addition, the meetings are available at all hours of the day, and some even 24 hours a day. Please visit our Electronic Meetings page to access the different options.
Been to Al-Anon on and off most of my adult life, first husband now son. I am literally sick now to my stomach as son is released again from hospital, more brain damage, etc. He lives in a semi/garage, can barely walk with a walker, I almost wish he would die. 52 years old, a mess. Now the anxiety is affecting my marriage to a wonderful man.
Help! Are there on line meetings?
This could be my story. I find myself crushed watching my daughter suffer through alcohol and weed. I haven’t been to a meeting in a long time. I’m going to look for one. Thank you for sharing.
I first found Al-Anon in 1985. I wanted to know how to get my husband sober. I divorced him in 1995.
It was not until 2016 that I came back to Al-Anon. This time I came because I knew I needed help. I needed peace, joy and to get rid of anger & resentments. I found myself thanks to Al-Anon. I’ve made many lasting friendships and learned a lot about myself and how the program works. Easy does it, and Let go & let God get me through most days.
I have been an Al-Anon member for quite some time now. I started in my teen years and am now a senior. The gifts I have received from the Al-Anon program are in abundance! We always suggest attending at least 6 meetings before making a decision if Al-Anon is for you. Sometimes it is also a good idea to try different groups. Without a doubt you will know where you belong. Being able to relate with other Al-Anon people, you are bound to hear your similar story. You are not alone.