I Kept Coming Back Online
When I began to realize that my husband had a problem with alcohol, I argued with him and cried all the time. My emotions were just uncontrollable. My children noticed before I did that he drank every day.
Letting Go of My Children and Grandchild
I have been deeply affected by my children’s drinking and the effect it has had on my grandchild. I have felt an emotional death in my soul which has brought me to a new dependency on a Power
Loving My Alcoholic Sister—and Myself
My sister Kris is 18 months older than I am and was truly my best friend throughout childhood. We grew up in the country and built forts, played kicked the can, went sledding until our cheeks were rosy,
Are Our Magazines CAL, and Can They Be Read at Meetings?
The experience, strength, and hope of Al‑Anon members as shared in their own words is at the heart of Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL), and The Forum is no exception. For our French- and Spanish-speaking members, we publish
Embracing New Opportunities to Serve
When I think of the many service roles I was encouraged to stand for during my volunteer years, I am reminded of this quote from When I Got Busy, I Got Better (P-78): “I am not encouraged to
Lois on “Letting Go” in Al‑Anon Service
As the end of 2021 approaches, I am reflecting on my recovery over the past year. One of the lessons I’ve resisted the most is letting go of dominance in my marriage. Because I’ve been affected by the
We’re All Equal in Al-Anon
I am thankful that we are all equal in Al‑Anon. I am Hispanic, and I attended a mostly white school. I had trouble adjusting and making friends. I remember being called “Taco Bell” in the classroom. I also
A Journey of Self-Discovery
I remember in my first Al‑Anon meetings hearing people say, “To thine own self be true.” This was confusing for me as I thought I was an honest person, knew myself so well, and had sincere motives. The
Principles above “Rules”
As I have grown in self-awareness and trust in a Higher Power, I find that I’m more relaxed about making decisions in the absence of strict rules and rigid structure. When I was a newcomer to Al‑Anon, I
Grateful for My Journey to the World Service Office
It amazes me how quickly Al‑Anon service changed my life. I began my service journey as Secretary of my home group, and the support I received from those members helped me to accept and believe in myself. With
Others’ Alcoholism Affected Me Too
As a newcomer to Al‑Anon, it took several months before I could share the most painful parts of my past—the things that had happened to me and the mistakes I had made. Growing up in an alcoholic home,
Doing Things Differently, Not Doing More Things
When I became aware of my 15-year-old son’s drinking, I put him into a treatment program. The staff at the facility recommended I attend Al‑Anon. My first thought was, How can I do one more thing to help