More United Than Ever
Last October, World Service Office (WSO) Staff attended a service meeting of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Al‑Anon structures, better known as the Ibero-American Zonal Meeting. This virtual meeting was hosted by members of the Peruvian General Service Office.
Learning to Relate Rather than Compare
One Day at a Time in Al-Anon (B-6), affectionately referred to as “the ODAT,” was the only book my first home group ever read during meetings. As a young man concerned about my mother’s drinking, I struggled to
Relief Leads to Recovery
When I was new to Al‑Anon meetings, I heard members ask, “Do you want recovery, or just relief?” I realized I didn’t know the difference between those two things, and, as a newcomer, that little word “just” gave
Al-Anon Saved My Life—Twice!
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I was depressed and sad. I didn't know how to live with active alcoholism, and honestly, I didn't know how to go on living anymore. I could have died, but Al‑Anon saved
A Loving Relationship with My Mother
My relationship with my mother had been a very difficult one since I was a teenager. Both of us had been affected by alcoholism in different ways. She tried to tell me how to live my life, and I
Supporting Al-Anon in Europe
The European Zonal Meeting (EZM) was held via web conference September 3–5, 2021. It was attended by 14 General Service Offices, four evolving service structures, and representatives of the World Service Office (WSO). This year’s meeting included participants
Al-Anon the Fellowship and Al-Anon the Organization
“Don’t let them brainwash you.” Those words echoed through my mind as I started my new position in Group Services at Al‑Anon’s World Service Office (WSO). Well-meaning Al‑Anon friends, concerned that I was moving to the “other” side,
Actively Avoiding Isolation
Growing up in an alcoholic home, I didn’t have much of a social life. I chose not to invite friends over because I feared that my father would be drinking and embarrass me in front of them. So,
Moving Beyond Survival Mode
I walked into Al‑Anon full of very strong and volatile emotions and beliefs that I had adopted growing up with alcoholism and then carried with me after marrying an alcoholic. Although I cried a lot in the first
Forgiveness Is for Me
I have a family that I love, but it has not always been happy. I craved and sought my mother’s love and validation my entire life, with very little success. I went back again and again only to
The Color of Hope
Looking out the window one frigid February day, the scene before me was dull and colorless. Snow was flying, the ground covered in white, and gray, naked trees blew forlornly in the wind. I had just ended a
Well, Hello, New Year
I wonder what you have in store for me, for us, in 2022?! As an Al‑Anon member, I always feel renewed hope as January dawns. Hope inspires me to action, so I recommit to my daily routine of