My First Al-Anon Meeting
Recently, I was surprised to discover how resistant a client was to the idea of attending an Al-Anon meeting. She dreaded going. It took her months to get up the courage to attend. The following is the story of her experience.
As I entered the meeting room I saw coffee and snacks. I found that comforting. The meeting was about to start so someone indicated that I take a seat in the circle. The Chairwoman asked, “Are there any first timers here?” I considered keeping my hand down but summoned my courage and raised it. The Chairwoman welcomed me and asked a member to share what Al-Anon had meant in her life. She did so, very nervously, but with eloquence and deep emotion. The group recited, in unison, the Twelve-Steps and Twelve Principles. When that was done, a loose-leaf binder was passed along and the rules regulating Al-Anon were read aloud. Next, a blue covered book seemed to appear in front of most people. A member began to read from it. After reading a paragraph, she shared what the passage had meant to her in her life and passed the book to the next person. As the book moved around the room, people quietly shared heartbreaking stories about what they had experienced or were still experiencing from living in an alcoholic environment. Most added that it is only with the support of God and the Al-Anon group that they are able to keep going. They told stories of just barely surviving and hanging on moment by moment, trusting God to lead them through one more disaster or tragedy in their lives. There was very little joy or laughter. It seemed to take all their will and energy to live with the pain of struggling, moment by moment, to emotionally detach themselves from an alcoholic’s behavior. They struggled to keep their health, sanity and families intact. The atmosphere was subdued but hopeful and almost reverent. Determination to survive and heal rang out.
The meeting closed with the Serenity Prayer, hugs and an invitation to stay for coffee. Although the sharings were deep and personal, they had seemed guarded. I had a sense that the trust they showed in the group was a real act of the will. They seemed so vulnerable. These were people whose expectations and hopes had been dashed against the rocks many times. Most of them were in situations that were worsening rather than improving. Encouragement and respect seemed to be part of the atmosphere and the members drew strength and courage from this.
During the coffee break, several people invited me to the next meeting. They were reaching out so powerfully. They wanted me to know that I would find hope and acceptance in their group. I came away convinced that Al-Anon serves a vital purpose and that anyone suffering from a past or present alcoholic environment would benefit from attending Al-Anon.
Anyone wishing to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen (ages 12-20) meeting can be informed of times and location by calling 688-1716.
