Looking back on the years of chaos with my son, I like to believe that everything happened for a reason. I used to drive past familiar places that would bring back sad memories, and my heart would begin to ache. I now realize that everything had to happen the way it did in order for my son to reach the point where he chose his path to recovery.
My favorite part of the book How Al‑Anon Works for Families & Friends of Alcoholics (B-32) is the chapter called “The Family Disease of Alcoholism.” One section describes the entire family holding the alcoholic above water. When one person lets go, the alcoholic falls. At that point, the alcoholic may become so uncomfortable that he chooses recovery. I truly believe that my letting go had something to do with my son seeking recovery. When my well-meaning efforts ended in failure, I had to turn our futures over to a Higher Power. While I was powerless over my son’s drinking, I wasn’t helpless or alone. There was hope; there was Al‑Anon.
By Ruth O.
The Forum, September 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.
I also joined because my son was experimenting with multiple things. I didn’t like some subjects. I took it as it was preparing me for him leaving this earth! I dismissed it and took what I could relate to. He is doing much better and so am I with my newfound tools, “One Day at a Time.”
I have been in Al-Anon 10 yrs. I came because my daughter was an addict and wanted me to “find my own people.” I love the program. It has done so much for me. I have made friends and learned to be a better person. However, it is extremely difficult to read an article like “There Was Al-Anon.” I did not have a happy ending or “success” with my daughter’s recovery. I know it was her path to travel and I know that the 3 Cs helped in the grieving process, particularly I can’t control anyone. I couldn’t save her… Read more »