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The Forum Magazine
Al-Anon's monthly magazine, The Forum, contains many personal stories of inspiration, some of which are made available each month on the Internet by authorization of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
Articles from members present their personal views and experiences. Opinions expressed here are not attributable to Al-Anon as a whole. In keeping with Tradition Eleven, individuals are identified by first names and initials only. |
| When nothing else works:
Letting go and grieving the loss of a child to alcoholism
By Mary P., Tennessee
It wasn’t supposed to happen in my family, not to my child. Both my husband and I are Master’s level helping professionals; we’d spent years working with homeless alcoholics. Our children grew up seeing the ill effects of drugs and alcohol. Plus, we talked to our kids about drugs and alcohol. We did all the “just say no” stuff...
Finding my way to a healthy relationship
By Tami P., New York
I came to Al-Anon Family Groups at the suggestion of my ex-boyfriend, a recovering alcoholic. Our relationship was rocky, and I blamed him for it. I wanted him to change to make me happy, but I was unsuccessful at changing him no matter how hard I tried. His recovery and program were a priority in his life and I didn’t understand it. Our relationship was lacking some of the fundamental elements I desperately needed...
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Why is Alcoholism Called a “Family Disease”?
In Al-Anon and Alateen, when we describe alcoholism as a “family disease,” we refer to the fact that one person’s alcoholism affects the entire family. While symptoms of alcoholism are displayed by the alcoholic’s behavior, symptoms of this “family disease” are revealed by the family’s reaction to the alcoholic. Al-Anon can help us lessen these effects.
Chapter Two, “Living with the Family Disease of Alcoholism,” from the book Opening Our Hearts, Transforming Our Losses (B-29) describes the effects alcoholism has on those closest to the alcoholic, as well as ways that Al-Anon helps us heal. This book shares the experiences of Al-Anon members in facing the many losses associated with alcoholism and how they have found recovery through Al-Anon Family Groups.
The Forum 2008 Index
In 2008, The Forum magazine will publish hundreds of stories on various topics written by members of Al-Anon Family Groups. The Index is a helpful tool for anyone who is looking for an article on a specific subject.
Here are the articles we’ve published so far, some of which we’ve linked so you can access the stories. We hope you’ll check this page periodically because we’ll update the index every month.
The Forum 2007 Index
The Forum 2006 Index
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