My goal when I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting was to glean from the program a go-by list that could be used to lead my two alcoholic sons down a path to recovery. I regarded alcoholism as a habit of overindulging that could be overcome by following sound advice from people who knew the answers. Before the end of the first meeting, I was aware of the mistake I had made about the disease of alcoholism.
With each meeting thereafter, the truth about alcoholism became more obvious, and I started to accept the fact that only my sons could control their addiction to alcohol. What my wife and I wanted for our sons, we could not provide.
As weeks turned into months and months into years, I began to accept the hard truth that my twin sons had a disease they would have to deal with. My final acceptance of that fact brought me to understand that my presence at the meetings was for myself and not for my sons. That acceptance, so difficult in the beginning, is now what helps me in trying to live each day to the fullest.
By Leroy D., Virginia
The Forum, June 2021
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, VA.
My son had been sober for a long time, I would guess about a year, at least. His circumstances took a drastic down turn that resulted in homelessness, but stayed sober. I helped with motel rooms when I could so that he could pick up day jobs or secure a full-time job. He’s been robbed so many times recently and became angry. I learned he drank until he passed out and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. My son who normally would call me or text daily, now refused my call and is not returning calls. My heart is… Read more »
I know the truth that my son has a disease. He’s now homeless, jobless, lost everything his last run he said he just wants to die. I have no more answers! My oldest son died 5 yrs ago from this disease. I don’t wanna bury another child! I’m a recovering alcoholic, I know the despair. I can’t move on. I could have an officer come give me the same news as 5 yrs ago I don’t know how Al-Anon can help me.
So many people never get to that place. Its earned through daily walking the walk. Not easy, but worth it!
Funny how we go to help our alcoholics when in fact we learn we are sick too