The last year of my life has been like a roller coaster—both physically and emotionally. At times, I have felt like it’s me against the world. I have felt angry, confused, and very alone. About a month ago, however, I decided to start attending Al‑Anon. I went looking for answers to all my problems. I was hoping someone would tell me what to do. What I found was so much more.
I found a group of people who knew what I was going through without ever meeting me before I spoke. They never offered opinions about what I should do; they just listened. In turn, I listened to their stories and found comfort and hope that I thought I could never feel again. Now I know that I am not alone. If I ever feel that I cannot control my thoughts or anxieties, I find a meeting. They are everywhere. And in an hour or so, I feel better. It was awkward and intimidating at first to walk into a room with people I had never met and share some of my deepest thoughts and feelings, but it helped. I found people who cared about me and my recovery.
By Ben D., Washington
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2020
I need to join Al-Anon. The thought is scary and overwhelming. I can’t even type or write about what I’m going through without being hysterical. I don’t think I’ll ever even be able to speak. I don’t talk to anyone about what my life is like and what I go through. Everyone knows my bf of 14 yrs drinks. But they don’t know the extent of the hell I live in daily. I keep it all to myself, bottled up and press forward everyday like nothing’s wrong. And I can’t anymore. I feel like I’m losing my sanity and for… Read more »
Al-Anon has offered help and hope to people affected by someone else’s alcoholism for more than 60 years. Many of them arrived at local Al-Anon meetings devastated, ready to give up. At meetings, they found support and understanding from others who had lived through similar situations, yet, thanks to Al-Anon had discovered new choices. Their lives today are happier and more fulfilled regardless of whether their loved one is drinking or not. Please visit our Newcomers page to find out how Al-Anon can help and the Meetings page to find a meeting in your area. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic… Read more »
How exactly does this work?
Al-Anon Family Groups offer a large list of electronic meetings on a variety of platforms, including email, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, and phone. In addition, the meetings are available at all hours of the day, and some even 24/7. Technology has made it possible for us to never be alone. All we have to do is reach out. Please visit our Electronic Meetings page.
How do I get to chat room
My son is in recovery now. Has been for about 65 days or so. I have to add it up. He has been an addict for about 16 yrs of some kind. Started out with marijuana then pills. Now meth and heroin. Overdosed bout 3 times. Been to prison 4 times. My God who is always my higher power has gotten me through it. I have started Al-Anon meetings and reading literature. And the 12 steps. And I guess I’m still stuck on number one. I still think in a way I can keep him sober. I monitor his FB.… Read more »
Al-Anon Family Groups offer a large list of electronic meetings on a variety of platforms, including email, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, and phone. In addition, the meetings are available at all hours of the day, and some even 24/7. Technology has made it possible for us to never be alone. All we have to do is reach out. Please visit our Electronic Meetings page to connect with Al-Anon members.
I wish I didn’t feel alone right now, I wish I could just talk to a member in Al-Anon. I have a lot going on with my daughter and not sure who to call.
I am the daughter of an alcoholic, my first husband was is an alcoholic, and my current husband is an alcoholic.
Last night was my first time in the chatroom and I too felt awkward. By the time I got off I was glad I was there.