Why I Go to Al-Anon
People sometimes ask me why I still go to Al‑Anon since most of the alcoholics and addicts in my life are either in recovery or have died. I always tell them that I still need Al‑Anon because of our
No Longer Feathering the Nest
When a mother eagle builds her nest, her foundational materials are large branches and sharp thorns. She then lines it with layers of feathers, fur, and moss to make it comfortable and safe for her eggs and, subsequently, eaglets.
What Are Chosen Agenda Items?
Chosen Agenda Items are topics and issues of concern affecting Al‑Anon groups and members worldwide that have been submitted for possible discussion at the World Service Conference (WSC). In some Areas, the Delegates choose a topic or two to
What, Exactly, Are Al‑Anon’s Spiritual Principles?
Early in my recovery, I’d hear members mention “the principles” in meetings. I would see references to “spiritual principles” in our Conference Approved Literature (CAL). I noticed that the Twelfth Step guides us to “practice these principles.” While members
A Better Relationship with My Son
One unexpected outcome of working my Al‑Anon program has been an improvement in my relationship with my son, who is my alcoholic loved one. Realizing that I am powerless over his decisions and lifestyle has helped me to let
Accepting the Gift of Desperation
My husband and I had been to family counseling as well as spiritual counseling and were told I needed to go to Al‑Anon and he needed A.A. Of course, I thought it was all his problem and if he
Enough Was Enough
For many years, my mother and other family members suggested I go to Al‑Anon. I had already lost my middle son to alcoholism in a drunk-driving accident, and my third son was also addicted to alcohol and drugs and
Leaving Al-Anon a Bequest
Many Al‑Anon members have designated Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. as a beneficiary in their will, in gratitude for the help given by our fellowship during their lifetime. Designating a bequest to Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. is
“At the Level of Press, Radio, Films, and TV”
After doing my first Fourth-Step inventory, I noticed a theme among my character defects—self-preservation. These character defects served me well as a teen navigating the family disease of alcoholism. My favorite survival tactic was “out of sight, out of
Honoring the Spiritual Principle of Anonymity
When I first arrived in Al‑Anon, I was not practicing any spiritual principle of anonymity. The way I believed I could get the alcoholic to stop drinking was to tell everyone, which only added to the craziness, and those
Starting My Journey
I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting while my husband was in rehab. My children were ages seven, five, and eleven months. I was terrified. I was confused. Throughout my entire marriage, well-meaning people had been telling me that
There with Love, Understanding, and Hugs
Making the decision to come to Al‑Anon was so hard. I had been referred many times, but I was worried about others finding out what was going on in our family. I was ashamed, embarrassed, and so scared.