Sharing My Recovery with My Children
Tonight, my teenage daughters cried because their father was drinking and had an angry outburst. I hugged them, and we talked honestly about their feelings. One of my daughters felt sad and scared. My other daughter, however, was
In an Atmosphere of Unconditional Love
I remember the first few meetings I went to in Al‑Anon. I had no idea what anyone was talking about, and I felt totally lost. I came from an alcoholic family, had married an alcoholic, and had alcoholic
It Was Spectacular—Thank you!
Celebrating One Day at a Time—that’s what 4,029 Al‑Anon, Alateen, A.A. members, and their guests were doing in Baltimore, Maryland this past July. Al‑Anon’s 2018 International Convention was spectacular because of all of us. Thank you! Many thanks
Because It Was Given to Me
Several years ago, I was having severe chest pains, my blood pressure was spiking, and I had tremors. I felt like I was going to die. So, I went to see a doctor who suggested either counseling with
I Had To Be the One To Change
I came to Al-Anon several years ago. Someone suggested that I attend meetings because I was being affected by someone I loved. At the time, I thought, when he gets better, I’ll be okay. I went to my
I Knew I Needed Help
Because I grew up with an alcoholic parent, I vowed I would never become involved with someone who drank. However, I found myself with a man with multiple addictions. I was stunned and heartbroken when it didn’t work
Why Should I Encourage My Teenage Family Members To Participate in Alateen?
By coming to Al‑Anon meetings, I have learned to accept that alcoholism is a family disease. It affects me in ways that I never expected or understood. It created character defects in me that deceived me into thinking
In Answer to a Need
When many of us finally found Al‑Anon, we came because of a family member or friend. I had little gratitude for my circumstances. However, as I grew and found myself becoming grateful for a better way of life,
Finally, I Was Home
My son was an alcoholic who had lost seven jobs in six years. I worried about him from the time I woke up until restless sleep overtook me. One night at about 2 am, I saw an ad
In Lieu of a Cure
I sometimes think of Al‑Anon meetings as an emergency room or infirmary where I can get treatment for my anxiety, anger, fear and uncertainty. I come when I need a dose of Al‑Anon medicine. I come because I
I Don’t Want To Hide from Life Anymore
Isolation is a term often associated with prisoners or individuals with infectious diseases. However, when connected with the disease of alcoholism, it took on an entirely new meaning for me. I had recently retired from a position that,
Thinking Ahead to the Holidays
Step Ten helps me reflect upon my life in the past 273 days of 2018. Thanks to Al‑Anon, I am taking care of myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. But that is about me. What about others? There are