“I couldn’t believe others were going through the same struggles that I was going through!”
After a knock-down, drag-out argument with my husband, I finally could see my part in the situation and how I contributed to our alcoholic relationship.
The next week, I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting. I nervously entered the church building, and smiling members warmly greeted me saying, “So happy you are here.” I heard members reveal themselves with great honesty and courage. It blew me away to hear so much of what I was feeling in other people’s stories. While our situations may have been different, the feelings surrounding them were shockingly alike.
I couldn’t believe others were going through the same struggles that I was going through! This meeting was not a group of complainers, but rather a room full of people authentically sharing their experience, strength and hope.
After a few months of attending weekly meetings and working with an Al‑Anon Sponsor, my loved ones started to notice changes in me. Consequently, the changes occurred not just in me but in those around me too. My relationships began to improve because of the healthy boundaries I was learning to set. My husband even reinvigorated his own Twelve Step program.
I have learned not only to like myself, but also to love who I really am. When I’m among my Al‑Anon family, I feel most like my true self. After learning in the program that I have choices, I’m grateful that attending Al‑Anon is one of the choices I made.
Holly E., Georgia
Thank you this has given me hope. I am planning to attend my first meeting Sunday. My husband has become verbally and a couple times physically abusive this last year. He is back to drinking again and his family supports his drinking. His family are all big partiers. I have never felt so alone in my life. I was just told about Al-anon yesterday and can’t wait to find support I desperately need. I feel so lost and alone. And no matter what I do in my life it’s always wrong. I need to find hope not just for me… Read more »
Loved, loved reading this site, thank you. My family has an alcohol problem, and I shared this site with both my Mom and sister-in-law. I hope they both look up a meeting, I think it will help them immensely. As for myself reading this site has convinced me to make an appointment with my doctor for my drug abuse too, again thank you so much and may God continue to bless you as you did for me?
Wow, thank you for that. I haven’t jumped into Al-Anon with both feet, and your words are just what I needed to hear to make the choice to find a meeting and go.