Today I Am Somebody
Growing up in an alcoholic family, I learned to survive by keeping my opinions and thoughts to myself. I judged myself to be a nobody. Later, this affected my relationships with my husband and three daughters. When one
A Glimmer of Hope
As I drove toward the church on that warm, dusky night, I desperately hoped the meeting would be canceled or that no one else would show up. I felt the knot in my stomach tighten as I pulled into
How Can I Attend Al-Anon Meetings?
My disease does not take a break just because it’s the middle of the night, a holiday, or when I’m on vacation. Did you know that Al‑Anon meetings are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Awareness of Alcoholism—Opening More Eyes in April
The literature table at my first Al‑Anon meeting immediately caught my attention. Suddenly, I had access to information about alcoholism and its effects on the families of alcoholics. At the time, I felt incredibly isolated because I had
Facing Change Together
The 19th International Al‑Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM) opened on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at the Holiday Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Rosie M., Chairperson of the International Coordination Committee, warmly welcomed representatives from 16 structures by saying, “Our
From Rejection to Acceptance
Ever since I was a child, I had a ringside seat to my alcoholic/addict’s chaotic behavior. I heard a lot of loud, angry words and cursing. It was not unusual for me to see a fist or open hand
I Was Finally Able To Take off My Armor
Growing up in an alcoholic home, I had to figure so much out for myself. As a result, I developed an arrogant, smug belief that I had all the answers. I felt that I was the one who had
I Thought I Was Helping
I came to Al‑Anon because I had an alcoholic child. I felt miserable because my child was in trouble and frustrated because I couldn’t seem to do anything about it. I also felt angry that he lied and took
Terms Used in Al-Anon Service
Area World Service Committee (AWSC) This Committee consists of the officers of the Assembly, District Representatives, Coordinators and liaison members, who meet between Assemblies to discuss Area and District matters, plan the agenda for the Assembly, initiate projects
Using Our Spiritual Principles
I learned the importance of using our spiritual principles in all aspects of my program through my own journey of recovery. When I was a new Group Representative, I attended my first Assembly and I did not feel
No Longer Fearful
When I got to Al‑Anon, I was fearful of my alcoholic husband—afraid of his rages, of things he might say to me, of riding in the car with him, and of the possibility he might leave me. I
The Only One I Could Change
Before Al‑Anon I was so sure I could fix both my marriage and my husband. I tried self-help books, couples counseling, and women’s shelters. I thought about Al‑Anon, but I denied that alcoholism was the whole problem. I