Lessening My Character Defects
Growing up around alcoholism, I learned to read rooms and to take on others’ feelings and opinions. Drama and gossip felt comfortable. I have carried these character defects with me most of my life, passing on my judgments
“Keep Coming Back”
At one of my first Al-Anon meetings, a member shared that a reading helped to clear up her thinking—like cleaning off a dirty windshield. She felt she had gained some clarity. When I came to Al-Anon 15 years ago,
Celebrating Our Service Gifts
Growing up in a Hispanic home affected by alcoholism, leadership was, at best, elusive. The louder, raging voice ruling with fear and control was the means for leading. I became a good people-pleaser, but I balked at any
Desperate to Change
I once read that 80 percent of people make changes out of desperation, while only 20 percent change due to inspiration. When I attended my first Al-Anon meeting, I was certainly not inspired to change—I was desperate. The truth
What Are the Links of Service About?
From all walks of life, we enter the rooms of Al-Anon, find belonging and membership, and embark on a recovery journey. Our common bond is that we’ve all been affected by someone else’s drinking. Once we become a member
Experiencing the Joy of Service
What does the saying, “When I Got Busy, I Got Better” mean to you? For me, this statement rings true. I remember the feeling I experienced when I had been in Al-Anon for about a year and my home
I’ve Been Elected to a Service Role—What’s Next?
I felt comfortable in my early days of attending Al‑Anon, but I noticed some members had what seemed to be “official” roles. Someone received information and shared it with the group, another member collected our contributions, and a secretary
We Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Before I was in Al-Anon, I was sure it was my job to get my alcoholic husband to stop drinking. I thought it was my job to control everything: the household and the finances. I made excuses for
Opportunities for Peace
When I first arrived in Al-Anon, I wanted a list of ways to keep my alcoholic loved one sober. I was surprised when no one gave me a list of what to do. What I heard over and over
Separating My Husband from the Disease
My husband’s alcoholism really began to escalate after his mother died. One night after coming home from the neighbors, he was having such a hard time walking that even standing was difficult. There he was, bent over holding
The Role of Al-Anon LDCs
Al-Anon Literature Distribution Centers (LDCs) provide Al-Anon members with local access to and quick delivery of Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL) and other Al-Anon materials. The LDCs, the World Service Office (WSO), and the General Service Offices (GSOs)
Share Your Recovery on Our Member Blog
The Member Blog on al-anon.org is an excellent resource for reading about the experience, strength, and hope of fellow members, as well as sharing your own! The monthly blog topics are a great source for meeting topics, and