I Found Out Who I Am
Growing up in an alcoholic family, I seemed to have lost my sense of self. I took on everyone’s feelings and lived my life according to their moods. My father was an alcoholic, and my mother was very
A Multigenerational Disease
I came to Al-Anon because of my daughter’s struggle with alcohol and prescription drugs. I thought Al‑Anon would give me the answers to solve this problem for her. Instead, it has shown me how I have contributed to
Facing My Struggles with Intimacy
Having grown up with alcoholism, I learned very early on that it was not safe to talk openly and honestly or to trust what people told me. To survive, I shut down and ignored or denied my feelings.
Contacts for the Public Play a Vital Role in Al-Anon
Someone’s Al-Anon journey often begins when they reach out to the World Service Office (WSO) toll-free meeting line at 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666). Here, they can speak with a phone agent Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am
My Group Isn’t Following “the Rules!”
My skills in navigating conflict were nearly nonexistent when I arrived in Al‑Anon. My options were all or nothing—either fight my way through in a desperate effort to be recognized as being right, or walk away in silence,
Loving Guidelines
Recently I had the privilege of listening to a sponsee’s Fifth Step. As they were telling me the many ways they had harmed themselves, I asked, “What rule was that due to?” They burst into tears. That rule was
Our Welcome Format
“Could we please go around the room and introduce ourselves by our first name?” As a newcomer, this phrase held special significance for me. When I first came into an Al-Anon meeting, each person around the table shared their
Let Recovery Begin with Me
Before I came into Al-Anon, I thought that my fate was entirely connected to that of my alcoholic loved one. I thought that when my loved one got sober, our family problems would go away. I felt helpless
WSO Staff and Volunteer Area Visits
Interested in revitalizing Al-Anon service in your Area? Could your Area use a refresher on the links of service? Do you have a new panel that might benefit from some service inspiration? Are you connected with a growing
Carrying the Message: A Gift of Serenity
Today, I am grateful to share the gift of serenity I’ve received through the worldwide fellowship of Al‑Anon Family Groups. Like many others, I came to Al‑Anon overwhelmed by a loved one’s drinking and the chaos it brought
Seeking Answers
I came into Al‑Anon looking for answers, believing I needed to fix the alcoholic in my life. I expected to hear how to do that at an Al‑Anon meeting. Life was chaotic at the time, and I wanted
I’ve Been There Too
Have you ever been sitting in an Al‑Anon meeting and, after a member shares, you hear someone respond with, “Glad you are here”? Maybe on your way out, you pass someone chatting with a newcomer and hear them