My first Al-Anon experience

After living with alcoholism all my life, I didn't find Al-Anon until I reached the age of 47. Although my husband got to know A.A. in 1970, he never stayed sober until 1982. Whenever he went to A.A. meetings, he always invited me and I always embraced the opportunity.

One night after the meeting was over, an A.A. member and his wife invited me to an Al-Anon meeting in their home group. I asked, "What do you mean?" The wife said to me, "Come, sit, and listen, and you will see if Al-Anon is for you."

So, the following day, I said to myself that I would give Al-Anon a try. It was the 19th of July 1994, when I walked through the doors of the room that night. The first thing the members did was welcome me with hugs and kisses. I have never felt so much love before.

The Chairperson started the meeting with the Serenity Prayer at 7:30 p.m. sharp. She read the "Suggested Al-Anon/Alateen Welcome" and the 20 questions from Are You Troubled by Someone Else’s Drinking? Al-Anon Is for You! (S-17). I answered yes to almost every question.

I left the room filled with joy and happiness that I had never felt before. From that night, I have been an active member of an Al-Anon Family Group.

Al-Anon has changed my life. I have learned to love myself first, how to pray and love, and to deal with the worst situation with detachment and love. Al-Anon is the best gift I have ever found.

After being in Al-Anon for the past 11 years and trying to make recovery for myself, I got the shock of my life. The alcoholic slipped after 23 years of sobriety and if it were not for Al-Anon, I might have become more crazy than I was before Al-Anon.

At this moment, Al-Anon is giving me the strength, courage, and hope to handle this situation. I can tell it is not easy, but I am coping by living "One Day at a Time."

The gifts of this program are evident in every aspect of my life. Thanks to Al-Anon I think my life is a miracle. I will always be grateful to Al-Anon.

By Anonymous, Trinidad
The Forum, January 2007

© Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. 2007. All Rights Reserved.