Facing Change Together
The 19th International Al‑Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM) opened on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at the Holiday Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Rosie M., Chairperson of the International Coordination Committee, warmly welcomed representatives from 16 structures by saying, “Our
From Rejection to Acceptance
Ever since I was a child, I had a ringside seat to my alcoholic/addict’s chaotic behavior. I heard a lot of loud, angry words and cursing. It was not unusual for me to see a fist or open hand
I Was Finally Able To Take off My Armor
Growing up in an alcoholic home, I had to figure so much out for myself. As a result, I developed an arrogant, smug belief that I had all the answers. I felt that I was the one who had
I Thought I Was Helping
I came to Al‑Anon because I had an alcoholic child. I felt miserable because my child was in trouble and frustrated because I couldn’t seem to do anything about it. I also felt angry that he lied and took
Terms Used in Al-Anon Service
Area World Service Committee (AWSC) This Committee consists of the officers of the Assembly, District Representatives, Coordinators and liaison members, who meet between Assemblies to discuss Area and District matters, plan the agenda for the Assembly, initiate projects
Using Our Spiritual Principles
I learned the importance of using our spiritual principles in all aspects of my program through my own journey of recovery. When I was a new Group Representative, I attended my first Assembly and I did not feel
No Longer Fearful
When I got to Al‑Anon, I was fearful of my alcoholic husband—afraid of his rages, of things he might say to me, of riding in the car with him, and of the possibility he might leave me. I
The Only One I Could Change
Before Al‑Anon I was so sure I could fix both my marriage and my husband. I tried self-help books, couples counseling, and women’s shelters. I thought about Al‑Anon, but I denied that alcoholism was the whole problem. I
I Finally Decided To Get off the Roller Coaster
My husband’s and my everyday experiences together typically involved resentments, blame, arguments, and misunderstandings. The roller coaster ride went in a circle, and it seemed we could never get off. However, once I started attending Al‑Anon, I started
The Benefits of Creating a Group Email Address
With email communication, your group becomes able to send and receive time-sensitive information relevant to all group members such as: Announcements to support Al‑Anon/Alateen events, as well as A.A. events with Al‑Anon/Alateen participation that are connected to the Area.
Something I Can Talk About—The 2018 Membership Survey
I came to Al‑Anon sure that I was different. I immediately compared myself to the five members of my first home group. They were married. Three had husbands who were sober in A.A., and two had husbands who
No Substitute
Al‑Anon has turned out to be the very best thing I have ever done for myself. Although I knew that I didn’t cause the drinking, I can’t control it, and I can’t cure it, the disease of alcoholism