Adhering to Policies without Policing
The introduction to the “Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies,” the second section of the 2022–2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) v3, states, “The ‘Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies’ reflects policy statements that grew out of questions and experiences
WSC or WSO—What Is the Difference?
Ever heard the acronyms WSC or WSO and wondered what they mean and whether they are different? Well, you are probably not alone! Here’s the scoop. The World Service Conference (WSC) is Al‑Anon’s annual business meeting, which is
Obedience to the Unenforceable
The purpose of forming and registering an Al‑Anon group with the World Service Office (WSO) is to gather together for mutual aid and to offer help and hope to anyone affected by the family disease of alcoholism. We
Pledge to Myself as the Wife of an Alcoholic
Today, I will be still and listen to myself. I will drop the fallacy in my thinking that holds me solely responsible for the success or failure of my family. I will release a dream to which I
The Family Situation Can Improve
One morning I was riding my bicycle with a group of friends and really enjoying the beautiful day. I have found that little “Aha!” moments sometimes happen unexpectedly when I’m on my bike and my mind is in
Home at Last
I’ll never forget my first Al‑Anon meeting. The image is burned into my memory. It was in a large basement room of a church, and about 30 people were in attendance. The room was painted white, and the
Send a Card to Your Delegate at the 2024 World Service Conference
Al‑Anon’s 64th Annual World Service Conference (WSC) will meet in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, April 18–21, 2024. Trusted servants enjoy receiving cards from members and groups in their Area while they are at the Conference. There will not
Service Guidelines Updated!
Al‑Anon Guidelines are compiled and published by the World Service Office. They represent the shared experience of Al‑Anon and Alateen members in various service roles and provide a wealth of helpful information for anyone involved in service. In
Alateen: Finding Compassion, Empathy, and Family
My mother is an alcoholic. She has been one since the day I was born. But there was a period of peace that lasted until I was four or five years old. I remember snuggling with her on
Unity in Diversity with Hope in Action—2023 RIASA
The 11th Ibero-American Meeting of Al‑Anon Services, aka RIASA (Reunión Iberoamericana de Servicios de Al‑Anon), was hosted by the Al‑Anon structure in Argentina and took place online on October 20–22, 2023. The theme was “Unity in Diversity with
Preparing for Conference: “How Important Is It?”
“How Important Is It?” that all Conference members read and consider all documents that are posted prior to Conference, so that everyone is prepared to discuss and decide on all Conference matters affecting Al‑Anon as a whole? It’s
“The Forum”—What Is the Process?
Early in my Al‑Anon recovery, I heard that it was my responsibility to ask for what I needed. So, I promptly gave my husband a list of ways I needed him to change. Imagine my shock and indignation