My first Al‑Anon meeting opened my eyes and I saw there were others who struggled as I did. Somehow there was something different about these people in Al-Anon. They seemed at peace as they shared their personal stories with each other. Their kindness and sincerity drew me to want what they had.
My son had been struggling with alcohol and drugs. I felt heartbroken and did the only thing that I thought would help. I tried to fix him, but things only got worse. I neglected everyone, including myself, and could only focus on him. My life lost all its joy. In fact, life became something that I had to endure.
I started to attend Al-Anon meetings regularly. I didn’t know what I learned was preparing me to deal with some of the most painful experiences of my life. Because of Al‑Anon, I became better-equipped to deal with the hardships that were coming.
Thanks to Al‑Anon, I found healthy friends I could reach out to in times of struggle. I found literature to keep me focused and give me peace and reassurance. I also developed a sense of hope that things would improve.
Things have improved with my son, too. Our relationship is healthier. As I look back, I know that the things I learned in Al‑Anon are vitally important in our lives. Before, I could never let my son live his own life, even though I couldn’t win his battles for him. For him to be free, he had to want this for himself—when he was ready.
Thanks to Al‑Anon, now I can go to meetings and not only receive help, but also give help and share my hope with others. Most of all, in Al-Anon I have learned that it is okay for me to be happy and to enjoy life.
By Ruth Ann B., Oklahoma
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2019
The beginning of your post is my story. I finally came to understand I need help and have found a chapter near my home. I will be attending my first virtual meeting this Friday. I know it won’t necessarily fix my son, but I’m going to help me. This will be the first time thinking about my health and well being instead of solely his. I’m really looking forward to hearing others’ stories and sharing mine.
I have a 14-yr old son who is coming home from rehab next week. He told my husband he plans on still smoking pot, and we found out that he was involved with some really scary situations and people. My husband and I are both in AA for 20+ years and understand the hell he will be in. I’m desperately searching for a young people’s meeting nearby, but they seem to have disappeared!
My son is 36 and he is always calling for money and I am getting broke myself I am so fed up I do not know what to do.
My son is an alcoholic and it is only getting worse. I cannot help him and this is taking a toll on my health and environment. He is lost and I cannot even talk to him. I am being forced to live his life and it is affecting my whole spirit. I am depressed and find myself crying all the time, I need to find some support for myself now to learn how to cope with his addiction.
My son is also struggling with drugs and alcohol… I have tried to help for a very long time. I know I can not help. He has to help himself… I am going to my visit Al-Anon meeting this weekend. I so need to find support with other parents in the same pain. Thank you for this post, from one parent to another…
You can find people who understand what you’re going through in local Al-Anon meetings. You can look for meetings in your area at https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting.
My Son He is adept with drogs and álcool. I need help please.
I don’t know what to do anymore?