“The Forum” Magazine Stories2024-11-01T09:15:31-04:00
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Just a Teen’s Reach Away

I have been drawn to Alateen service ever since recognizing that my own struggles throughout my teen years were actually the effects of living with the disease of alcoholism. My struggle to claim my independence in the face

Living Out the Al-Anon Declaration

In my early days in Al‑Anon, I gained a deeper awareness of the impact of alcoholism on my life and relationships. Through Al‑Anon meetings, literature, and the shared experiences of fellow members, I recognized the effects of alcoholism

Recovery Is Possible

It wasn’t easy learning to take care of myself when I first started attending Al‑Anon meetings. Many tears were shed in the beginning. I was mentally and physically weak, and at times I didn’t think a better life

The First Step Was the Hardest

For me, Step One was the hardest of the Twelve Steps. Step One says, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” I thought I was in control, and I didn’t want to admit

The Step before the Steps

I have been in and out of Al‑Anon for at least the last 20 years. My pattern was this: A crisis would arise with one of the alcoholics in my life, and I would show up at a

How to Hold a Writing Meeting or Workshop

The Forum and all Conference Approved Literature depend on writing by Al‑Anon members. Holding an occasional writing meeting or workshop is a great way to generate sharings that can be submitted for publication. Here are some suggestions: Writing

Serving as an At-Large Committee Member

When I was invited to share my experience as a member of the Forum Editorial Advisory Committee (FEAC), I was scared, but I jumped on the opportunity to further my recovery by reflecting upon and sharing my experience, strength,

I Will “Keep Coming Back”

Relating, empathizing, and learning from the experiences of other Al‑Anon members helps me feel understood and reminds me I am not alone. There is a deep connection and a powerful community here that I haven’t felt anywhere else. As

I Am All These Things

In Al‑Anon, I have learned that while there have been tragedies in my life, my life is not a tragedy. There are many components that make up the whole of me. No one thing solely defines me. This is

After the Earth Collapsed

When I walked through the door of my first Al‑Anon meeting, I felt desperate and broken. I was hoping for some guidance or enlightenment and really needed some reassurance that I wasn’t going crazy. I was so entangled with

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