“The Forum” Magazine Stories2026-03-02T13:09:30-05:00
  • The Forum Magazine banner

Even in the Face of Anger

When the Chairperson announced that the topic at the Saturday morning Al‑Anon meeting was control, I sat back in my chair and told myself that I didn’t need to share or even pay attention because control wasn’t my

Terms Used in Al-Anon Service—WSO Notes

Panel—A panel consists of one-third of the Delegates attending the World Service Conference. A panel is elected every year for a three-year term. The elections of the three panels are staggered so that a Conference always includes one

Can We Talk…Please?

Growing up in my alcoholic home, no matter what the issue was, whoever yelled the loudest won. By forcing solutions, I set myself up for many battles throughout my life. When I arrived at Al‑Anon, I met people

My Denial Finally Breaking

The hardest part of working the Al‑Anon program for me is making the continuous effort to be honest. My husband was an alcoholic and has been dead for many years now. However, I still struggle with being honest

It Truly Is a Family Disease

It is not easy to deal with an active drinker, especially when the active drinker in my life is my brother. When I visit him, I feel badly to see how his drinking problem is affecting him. I

A Clearer Picture

I thought I was so perfect, so I didn’t know why I was so sad and miserable. I grew up in a family with two parents who had a good marriage. My mother spent a lot of energy

Terms Used in Al-Anon Service

World Service Conference (WSC)—Al‑Anon’s annual business meeting, attended by all Delegates from the World Service Con­ference Structure; representatives from other countries; members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee; and the [World Service Office (WSO)] administrative staff

Finding a Meeting Is Just a Click Away!

You can find Al‑Anon and Alateen meetings throughout the world. They take place in your local community, online, on the phone, and within the Al‑Anon Family Groups Mobile App. All meetings can be found under the “Al‑Anon Meetings”

Back to the ODAT

When I came into Al‑Anon, I did so not for the reason often heard at meetings—an alcoholic spouse or partner whose drinking negatively affected me. Instead, I came because I knew I was the problem. I recognized that

The Secret

As I walked into my first meeting my mind screamed with the question—What’s the secret to get my son to stop drinking and using? I had tried everything—counseling, rehab, psychiatry, new schools, and new cars. Nothing worked. He

Hope from My Very First Meeting

When I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting, my denial was so thick I did not recognize there was any alcoholism in my family. I thought the problem was me. It was my good fortune to attend my first

Go to Top