Different Lives, Same Family Disease
I came to Al-Anon in 2020 during COVID by way of phone meetings. During these meetings, it was not easy to know who was present and how many were attending. Nevertheless, I found the help I needed and
Courage to Heal
I imagined a bandage covering an open wound: the alcoholism of someone else and its effects on my life. I covered it carefully, hiding it from everyone around me because I did not want to reveal its cause. Over time,
Photographs in “The Forum”
We often receive inquiries regarding the photographs of people featured in our magazines. The Forum, Le lien, and En acción are committed to respecting the anonymity and privacy of our members. Based on Traditions Eleven and Twelve and the
What Happened to Our Group Binder?
As a longtime Al-Anon member who has attended numerous in-person meetings in two states, I was accustomed to the practice of the meeting chairperson using a binder to lead the meeting. Since joining the World Service Office (WSO)
How Valuable Is Our “Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual” (P-24/27)?
When I started attending Al-Anon, I certainly had no idea about the value of our Service Manual. I did not know I could consult it when I had questions about the basics of group meetings, needed clarification about an
From Quicksand to Peace
Many years ago, I heard in a meeting, “You don’t have to go to every fight you’re invited to.” As a visual person, I always pictured a fancy invitation offered to me on a silver platter. Some days,
My Disease
Before Al-Anon, I knew little outside of grief. My relationship with the addicted members of my family had transformed from frustration to obsession. Without realizing it, I had built a prison in my mind, where I was convinced
Letting Go Saved Us Both
Years ago, I walked into Al-Anon. I had exhausted all my ideas and energy trying to defeat my husband’s alcoholism, which I considered a weakness of character. I tried to keep it a secret within our four walls.
EZM 2025—Service, Unity, and Recovery
In October 2025, 28 Delegates and two World Service Office (WSO) guests attended the in-person European Zonal Meeting (EZM) in Naples, Italy. The theme was “Service, Unity, and Recovery.” Seventeen European structures came together to share their voices,
World Service Conference (WSC) FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the World Service Conference, Al‑Anon’s annual business meeting. Can I Attend the WSC? Although the April World Service Conference is not an open business meeting, a report on the
From Pain to Purpose
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I had no idea how profoundly my life would change. Five years into the program, I lost my husband to alcoholism. Along with the pain of bereavement came a deep fear that
An Open Heart and Mind
When I first came to Al‑Anon many, many years ago, I did not understand what the program was about. I felt a small sense of peace, but I ran away, which was typical of me, and I did