Alateen Literature Is Conference Approved Literature
Some time ago in the weekly Al‑Anon meeting that I attend, the topic scheduled was the Second Step. The meeting was quiet—nobody wanted to participate. That day I had one of my favorite daily readers with me—Alateen—a day
I No Longer Feel Like I Am Drowning
My dad has always been a drinker, but it always seemed bearable when I was growing up. Throughout elementary and middle school, I did not even realize he was an alcoholic. I thought all parents drank as much
I Could Finally Say It Out Loud
My life was already in a state of emergency when I first heard about Al‑Anon. I didn’t understand what Al‑Anon was; I just knew that I needed help. My first meeting was daunting. I was very reserved after
I Desperately Needed a Life Preserver
A number of years ago, I finally took the step to walk into a drug and alcohol counselor’s office. By the time I reached that office, it felt like I was gasping for air, drowning in a rowboat
Climbing My Way out of the Hurt
I grew up in a home filled with violence, drug addiction, alcoholism, abuse, and neglect. I was so confused. I even needed someone to teach me the basics of hygiene, but there was no one. By the time
Letting Go of My Shame
I finally came into Al‑Anon after my second divorce was finalized. I had lost myself in trying to be who I thought my husband wanted me to be, and I was not sure what was wrong with me.
Baby-Stepping toward Recovery
When I came to Al‑Anon several months ago, I had no idea of the serenity I would start to enjoy in time. During my first few weeks of attending meetings, I was exhausted, frazzled, and fearful, but I
Can We Use Discontinued Literature in Meetings?
I loved hearing about my family’s history from my older relatives as I grew up, so it seemed only natural that I eventually inherited the role of family historian. Through the years, I’ve accumulated not only facts and
The CAL Process—Al-Anon’s Group Conscience in Action
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I didn’t have time for patience. Although it had taken me years to recognize that I was affected by living with alcoholism, I suddenly expected an overnight recovery. In those early years,
Only What Is Mine To Do
Before I came to Al‑Anon, I felt that it was my job to make sure I kept my household running on an even keel. What an enormous job that was, especially living with an active alcoholic. I was
Keeping My Peace
My peace belongs to me, but it is so easy to give it away or let someone take it. One gem I have heard in Al‑Anon meetings is “Don’t take the bait.” I may be quite happy and
Moving On from My Past
Before I came to Al‑Anon, I had wrapped myself up in so many layers of denial that to sit in a room and admit the truth to myself—let alone strangers—seemed crazy. Part of me wanted to cling to