Reaching Out to My Daughter with Kindness
When life throws me another curveball, like my alcoholic daughter having a baby, I start obsessing about how to fix her before the baby is born. To break out of this pattern of thinking, I go to Al‑Anon
Learning to “Live and Let Live”
Before I attended my first meeting, I was much too focused on my alcoholic wife’s behavior and not nearly focused enough on my own. In fact, I was heavily focused on anyone’s behavior besides my own. I tried
Prioritizing Serenity
When I first came into the program, my priorities were informed by the family disease of alcoholism and the recent death of my father. My immediate priority after losing my dad to alcohol abuse was to save my
Social Media Policy Updated!
The 2022 World Service Conference approved changes to the “Public Outreach” section of the “Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies” related to social media. These changes are reflected in the 2022–2025 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) v2. Over the
Honoring Al-Anon’s Singleness of Purpose in Policy-Making Service Positions
Very often, I meet up with my Higher Power while hiking in nature. As a kid, I would ramble through the creeks and woods in my grandparents’ backyard. Through the years, I learned to be respectful of the
Dilution of the Al-Anon Program
When I first came to Al‑Anon, all I wanted to know was how to get out of the mess I was in. I had no idea what it meant to form an Al‑Anon group or support the group.
“Do You Love Me Today?”
Growing up in an alcoholic home, I lived amidst instability and insecurity daily. Unlike children who grew up being told they were loved “to the moon and back,” or “this much” by someone with arms spread wide, I
I Tried Everything
As I reflect on my early days of recovery, I realize how thankful I am for Al‑Anon. I did what many other members did with their alcoholics—emptied out liquor bottles, yelled, screamed, cried, and begged him to stop
I “Do” Belong in Al-Anon
All my life, I’ve struggled to feel that I belong. As the only girl, I felt distinctly different from my three brothers. As a “feeler” in a family of “thinkers,” I felt alienated. Coming out as a lesbian
Are You Ready to Welcome Newcomers this Holiday Season?
The holidays are approaching quickly. For newcomers seeking help at this time of year, please make sure that your group meeting information is correct. Ask yourself and your group, “What did I need when I went to my
Adventure Awaits in Albuquerque at the 2023 Al-Anon International Convention!
Registration for the 2023 Al-Anon International Convention will be opening soon—on November 8, 2022—and now is the time to plan your 2023 summer getaway to the beautiful city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. In addition to celebrating Al-Anon
How I Found My Sponsor
I came to Al‑Anon to find out how to survive my alcoholic family situation. Early in the program, I heard “Keep Coming Back,” so I did. It took time and courage, but I found the hope I was