"The Forum" Magazine Stories - Al-Anon Family Groups

A Loving Relationship with My Mother

My relationship with my mother had been a very difficult one since I was a teenager. Both of us had been affected by alcoholism in different ways. She tried to tell me how to live my life, and I

Supporting Al-Anon in Europe

The European Zonal Meeting (EZM) was held via web conference September 3–5, 2021. It was attended by 14 General Service Offices, four evolving service structures, and representatives of the World Service Office (WSO). This year’s meeting included participants

Al-Anon the Fellowship and Al-Anon the Organization

“Don’t let them brainwash you.” Those words echoed through my mind as I started my new position in Group Services at Al‑Anon’s World Service Office (WSO). Well-meaning Al‑Anon friends, concerned that I was moving to the “other” side,

Actively Avoiding Isolation

Growing up in an alcoholic home, I didn’t have much of a social life. I chose not to invite friends over because I feared that my father would be drinking and embarrass me in front of them. So,

Moving Beyond Survival Mode

I walked into Al‑Anon full of very strong and volatile emotions and beliefs that I had adopted growing up with alcoholism and then carried with me after marrying an alcoholic. Although I cried a lot in the first

Forgiveness Is for Me

I have a family that I love, but it has not always been happy. I craved and sought my mother’s love and validation my entire life, with very little success. I went back again and again only to

The Color of Hope

Looking out the window one frigid February day, the scene before me was dull and colorless. Snow was flying, the ground covered in white, and gray, naked trees blew forlornly in the wind. I had just ended a

Welcoming Newcomers in the New Year!

Although the family disease of alcoholism never takes a vacation, the post-holiday season is a time when many individuals suffering from the family disease of alcoholism seek comfort in Al-Anon. Here are some things to think about as your

The Annual Alateen Recertification Window Opens January 11, 2024!

Every year, each Area in the World Service Conference Structure is required to take part in the Annual Alateen Recertification process in order to continue to use the Alateen name. This is explained in the 2003 Alateen Motion from the Board of Trustees and the policy