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.
Self-Care Is Not Selfish
In my personal life, the slogan “Let It Begin with Me” reminds me that taking care of myself is not selfish; it’s the opposite. Before I found Al‑Anon, I didn’t think about taking care of myself, because I
Top Five Reasons for Your Group to Subscribe to “The Forum”
5. The Forum communicates important news and information from the World Service Office directly to Al‑Anon groups. 4. Representing The Forum to the group and encouraging members to submit sharings is one of the suggested responsibilities of a
So Much Support for Service
When I was first asked to consider becoming a Group Representative, I had no idea what was involved. It was the love of other members that gently guided me to further understanding, directed me towards the abundance of
I Found Hope
I remember at my first Al‑Anon meeting wanting to sit in the back and be invisible. It was a big group, over 50 people, in a church hall. The speakers were up front. I remember laughter. I could not