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
Well, Hello, New Year
I wonder what you have in store for me, for us, in 2022?! As an Al‑Anon member, I always feel renewed hope as January dawns. Hope inspires me to action, so I recommit to my daily routine of
I Kept Coming Back Online
When I began to realize that my husband had a problem with alcohol, I argued with him and cried all the time. My emotions were just uncontrollable. My children noticed before I did that he drank every day.
Letting Go of My Children and Grandchild
I have been deeply affected by my children’s drinking and the effect it has had on my grandchild. I have felt an emotional death in my soul which has brought me to a new dependency on a Power
Loving My Alcoholic Sister—and Myself
My sister Kris is 18 months older than I am and was truly my best friend throughout childhood. We grew up in the country and built forts, played kicked the can, went sledding until our cheeks were rosy,
Are Our Magazines CAL, and Can They Be Read at Meetings?
The experience, strength, and hope of Al‑Anon members as shared in their own words is at the heart of Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL), and The Forum is no exception. For our French- and Spanish-speaking members, we publish
Embracing New Opportunities to Serve
When I think of the many service roles I was encouraged to stand for during my volunteer years, I am reminded of this quote from When I Got Busy, I Got Better (P-78): “I am not encouraged to
Lois on “Letting Go” in Al‑Anon Service
As the end of 2021 approaches, I am reflecting on my recovery over the past year. One of the lessons I’ve resisted the most is letting go of dominance in my marriage. Because I’ve been affected by the
We’re All Equal in Al-Anon
I am thankful that we are all equal in Al‑Anon. I am Hispanic, and I attended a mostly white school. I had trouble adjusting and making friends. I remember being called “Taco Bell” in the classroom. I also