Articles
From Worry to Wonder
I have been a worrier since childhood, and I had reason to be. My mother developed rheumatoid arthritis at 35 and spent years in a wheelchair. My father drank too much beer and had mood swings that ranged from depression to rage. When I was 12, I somehow decided that...
When Resentment Is a Signal
I have heard in the program that if I am full of resentment, it's time to look at myself. I became tired of feeling angry and victimized. I sat with my anger long enough to realize that it was grief. Grief feels like many life situations are happening at once, and I...
If I Am Aware, I Am Responsible
Years ago, I decided to branch out and find an additional meeting to attend in the town where I lived. There were limited choices in this relatively small community, including a local meeting I attended occasionally. What I experienced was a meeting that had one...
2026 Spring Assembly Delegate Report
75 Years, One Purpose - Hand in Hand with My Journey Irene F., TN Delegate, Panel 64 In Service We Soar Al-Anon’s one purpose is to help friends and families of alcoholics, which means me. I am so fortunate to have found Al-Anon and its life-giving vision and support...
Preserving Our Shared Journey: Archives and Digital Innovation in Al-Anon
Across the Al-Anon fellowship, archives play a vital role in preserving our shared history, wisdom, and growth. Whether meeting flyers, newsletters, or personal reflections, these materials tell the story of how members around the world have found healing and hope. As...
From Letters to Logins: WSO’s Role in Our Mobile App
As we celebrate 75 years of Al-Anon Family Groups, we honor the vision of Lois W. and Anne B. who founded the Clearing House in 1951 to share the collective wisdom of members with members. Through letters, newsletters, and the development of Conference Approved...
I Didn’t Want to Look at Myself
When I look back at my past decisions, I can honestly say that I spent more time trying to fix others than working on myself. I probably did this because I didn’t want to look at my defects. I didn’t know I had any. Maybe it was denial that helped me cope. I...
Different Lives, Same Family Disease
I came to Al-Anon in 2020 during COVID by way of phone meetings. During these meetings, it was not easy to know who was present and how many were attending. Nevertheless, I found the help I needed and eventually got a Sponsor. My Sponsor encouraged me to attend an...
Courage to Heal
I imagined a bandage covering an open wound: the alcoholism of someone else and its effects on my life. I covered it carefully, hiding it from everyone around me because I did not want to reveal its cause. Over time, and with the help of Al-Anon, I realized that only...
Something Great: the 2026 International Al-Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM), Slovenia, Europe
The International Al-Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM) is held biennially. The International Coordination Committee (ICC) invites Delegates from all the General Service Offices (GSOs) to attend. Each GSO can elect two International Delegates to participate in the...