I’m a 61-year-old woman, but my time in Al‑Anon is short—only ten months, so I have little wisdom to share. As a relative newcomer, there seems to be so much to learn about Al‑Anon. The Twelve Steps are clear enough, but when I start to read beyond that, I get overwhelmed.
Although my home group meetings are organized, I don’t really understand much about the “world” part of Al‑Anon. Maybe someday these parts of Al‑Anon will become more real and clear to me. Right now, I’m just grateful that there were people to comfort and welcome me on that first night I walked into the room.
I have little wisdom to share; I am powerless. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed, but I know that there is a whole network that stretches around the globe of which my home group is a part—I’m so glad.
By Anonymous
The Forum, November 2020
Feel free to reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.
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I think “the world” in that context means anything and everything that exists beyond the confines of a drug- and alcohol-free environment. I compare it to a baby in its mother’s womb. The difference here is a physical barrier provided by the mother. Conversely, in “the world” one must create his own barrier– physically and mentally.
I am 61 as well living with my alcoholic husband for 22 years. Within the past 8 mos, right when Covid hit, he lost his job due to an affair with an intern who he was mentoring. She charged sexual harassment. This is the story I am told at least. I think there is much more to it based on the past. I’m brand new to Al-Anon, hoping for serenity, clarity and strength.
Hi I’m a returning Al-Anon stopped going 2 years ago. My husband is an alcoholic. Sober for 8 years, my adult daughter has multiple addictions and Bipolar. I’m glad to be back in meetings looking forward to a sponsor.
I’ve been to two meetings, so I’m also very new to searching out help for myself. I’ve been reading non stop. When you go to a meeting, you get a welcome packet, which can be ordered online. The book for Al-Anon families can be ordered. This reading material helped me with understanding the steps and concepts of the community. We only know one way to cope with this destruction. Al-Anon gives guidance, support, and a new set of thought patterns. I’m happy to have
these. I know I need to change for myself. It’s the only way.
I’m powerless over others and MY life is unmanageable when I get my eyes stuck on someone else’s behaviors, actions, and especially attitudes. I need to focus and work on my own. I’m not God. I don’t know everything although at times, I sure do act like I do!
Al-Anon meetings are held on Zoom since COVID so just search for a local meeting.
I am 64 years old. Married to an alcoholic who most of the time I can cope with. My older brother died when I was 40. He was into drugs and drinking as long as I can remember. He put my parents through hell. Sometimes he had really good jobs, other times he was financially bailed out repeatedly by my dad who tried who also worried about what others would think. I married at 16, my husband was 17 and we have both worked hard to get where we are financially stable and have been for years. My younger son… Read more »
New to Al-Anon. My adult son is living with me, since his health won’t let him work. His daughter lives here also. I am 68 years old. I am tired, sick in body and mind. I don’t fell as if I can go on. Everyone else tells me to kick him out, but as a Christian I believe I am to show love. This is so hard.
I’m 71 and have lived a lifetime of living with alcoholics and now my adult son, I can’t go on like this and am reaching out to connect with people for the first time. I’m scared, I’m tired, I’m terribly depressed and I don’t know what to do. Looking for a lifeline I guess.
I am also very helpless since my son is an alcoholic and I don’t know how to help him, a friend suggests me to join this program, so I would love to join the discussion program and hope can get some help from it. Thank you!
Something that really helps me is listening to Al-Anon speakers online. Search that on the web. You will hear your story in someone else’s words!!! That’s how it worked out for me. That’s how I knew I was in the right place. And the speakers also share what they’ve learned. I listen to an Al-Anon speaker off my phone and do the dishes. That helps me not obsess about what my alcoholic is doing.
Phone meetings are unbelievably valuable. Just google Al-Anon phone meetings. The people attending from around the globe are so warm and welcoming !
I’ve been coming for a while, but all that matters is today. There is much love, support, wisdom, experience and help with the step work involved to make your today better than your yesterday. Keep coming back…we all benefit when we share!
I am new also. Still haven’t been to a meeting. Tried twice but was not offered because of covid. I can only look on app. For advice. But we all need to keep trying.
I’m 64 and new too. all I can say is keep coming back! That’s what I’m doing and I’m so grateful to have found Al-Anon.