I have found the rooms of Al‑Anon to be a safe place for me. I say this because all who attend share the common thread of being affected by the disease of alcoholism. Ultimately, I’ve come to realize I don’t feel judgement from others in the meetings, which has made them a safe place to share from the heart. No, this doesn’t happen overnight but, in time, the walls do come down. For me, sharing played a big part in my healing. I like who I am in the rooms of Al‑Anon.
By John K.
The Forum, December 2024
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.
It felt like I was drowning with an alcoholic man (married 44 years), but my first meeting opened my eyes to others who are experiencing my pain. His words and actions cut me like a knife, but knowing the 3 Cs is empowering:
I didn’t CAUSE it, I can’t CONTROL it, and I don’t have the CURE for it.
Very powerful words. Pray for me.
I am fairly new to Al-Anon – I have participated in phone groups. Sometimes I feel so safe, that I just listen, and relax and breathe- knowing that I am not alone in the type of pain I feel as a parent of an alcoholic.
So, I get what you wrote in your comment. Thank you.