I felt lonely, isolated and trapped. I had thoughts going around in my head that nobody could possibly understand. I felt depressed and in a state of panic at the same time. I really needed support.
In the previous ten years I went through an overload of family secrets that affected every member of my family. Overwhelmed with decisions that I needed to make, I sought out counseling, but I needed something more.
Fortunately, I felt drawn to Al‑Anon. I went to a meeting terrified, where I sat, listened and cried. I cried in hope—because these people had stories that sounded a lot like mine. I cried because maybe, just maybe I was not alone. Maybe in Al-Anon I could have a voice and a safe place to speak.
“Just keep coming back,” they said! I have kept coming back for six months now. I’m still new to it all—but I plan on continuing with Al-Anon.
By Anonymous
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2019
My stepson is a drug addict. He has a good heart, but wrecks every vehicle he has or they are impounded. He recently got locked up again. His dad, my husband keeps bailing him out, and he runs over to his ex’s where his son now lives, every time he needs a ride, cigarettes or whatever. He was in jail for 2 1/2 years already. He plays his parents. We’ve been married 15 years. As soon as I moved in, I knew he was using drugs. His parents wouldn’t believe me. I’ve tried to get my husband to go to… Read more »
I’m new to this. I just can’t hide this or feel alone anymore. I’ve been with my boyfriend for 11 years. He has drank the whole time. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times he has called me names and made me feel like nothing. I go to work every single day, I’m a medical assistant and I’m expected to be at work every day, I go, but I cry on my way there and on my way home. Sometimes he will text me swearing and calling me names while I am at work, knowing I will… Read more »
My brother is struggling with alcoholism. I am wide awake now at 2:30 because he pocket dialed me at 2:00 am. I have not been attending al anon meetings for about 2 months because I am so drained from work and the meetings are too late for me. But I’m desperately in need of meeting right now. I went online trying to find an online meeting or somewhere I can be heard. Nothing is open right now, so I find myself searching around the al anon website reading excerpts from past forums. Being able to make this comment will have… Read more »
I am a new member to Al-Anon, its nice to know I am not alone. My father and my husband have battled alcoholism, this time of year is the worse time. I have come to dread the holidays. My father has been sober for 25 years. My husband still battles. He will go away for a week or more to drink by himself, with little contact with his family. I get so angry at him, we have a beautiful family. Two great children, four beautiful grandchildren. He is in therapy right now, but I am not sure its enough. I… Read more »
My wonderful oldest son just finished 63 days of rehab. With all he has put into getting sober, as well as continuing in his recovery I think it’s my turn to get well for both of.us. We have a co- dependent relationship and although he’s learned new ways to behave, I have not!! I’m a fixer!! I want to help everyone to my own detriment..I just can’t wait to see my son flourish happily without the burden of a substance, and for us to all be healthy….ONE LOVE ❤
I did enjoyed a one drink Happy Hour but my now partner starts his drinking at 4pm and has 3 or 4 Martinis within an hour. beer and just a couple of nights finished a whole bottle of wine all by himself. By then his speech is slurred, gets loud and starts telling jokes. Same old jokes and very often off color jokes in front of lady friends. He refuses to listen and understand what is doing…. drives me crazy. I refuse to go with him to friends and neighbors visits because I know how he gets. He doesn’t understand… Read more »
I plan to start going to Al-Anon after suffering for over ten years with my son’s alcoholism that nearly killed him more than once. He has been sober again for 9 months now and has a fabulous life, but I still cry and worry a lot!
I need help so desperately
Most of the time I don’t want the help because the pain has become part of my life and I don’t want to forget. I don’t know why.
I appreciate people sharing how Al-Anon helped them because I can’t imagine anyone understands my pain.
Al-Anon meetings have been helpful to me as a family member. I have learned better ways of communicating with my loved ones who are recovering. The best thing I have heard are the Three Cs: I didn’t cause their disease, I can’t control it, and I can’t cure it. If I focus on bettering myself it can have a ripple effect on my family.
My partner went to jail almost 3 weeks ago and he suffered memory loss and alcohol withdrawal at which time he was taken to the hospital. After his scare he joined AA with his dad who is 20+ years sober. I have never seen him truly sober before and for as long as I have prayed for this day to come terrified. How do we communicate and build a sober and healthy relationship without me fearing I will become part of the problem rather than the solution?