By Joanne Dorr
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Al-Anon was founded when Anne B. and Lois W. met in 1941 as they drove their husbands to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Over time these two women would spend time together waiting for their husbands, sharing their stories and insights, and realizing the spiritual principles that helped them find answers to much of the confusion created by their loved one’s unhealthy alcohol use.
In 1951 Anne and Lois began working to unite the family groups into Al-Anon, a fellowship that now serves many thousands of groups in over 130 countries. Among them is a local-area woman who we will refer to as ‘Alicia.’
Alicia says that the spiritual principles of the program is the part that resonates with her the most, explaining, “I have a very strong relationship with Jesus (my higher power) and Al-Anon has opened the door so that I see God in my life on a daily basis and draw strength from Him. Al-Anon encourages us to believe in a power greater than ourselves.”
Alicia adds there are some people who look to the group as that greater power, and that Al-Anon accepts everyone regardless of faith.
While Al-Anon is not a religious program, they consider how religious beliefs can be a useful tool in each member’s journey to coping with the challenges of someone else’s drinking. Meetings offer the chance to learn more about the experiences of others who have faced similar problems and provide members with hope. Another stalwart principle is that no one will give advice in Al-Anon – members simply share their experience, strength, and hope with each other.
Members of the Al‑Anon fellowship include everyone from spouses to parents to children who grew up with alcoholism in the home. Alateen, a peer support group for teens struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking, expanded through an increased number of preteen family members wanting help.
Some Al‑Anon and Alateen members have experienced several relationships with people who have an alcohol problem or recognize that it is a multi-generational issue in their families. Alicia tells of the many relationships she has had with alcoholics over the years.
Alicia was raised in a family of dry alcoholics, which is someone who no longer drinks but has yet to deal with the issues that led to their addiction and may experience a variety of mental health struggles as a result. Alicia endured sexual abuse and grew up on the receiving end of constant criticism. After marrying into a relationship that included unhealthy alcohol use as well, she knew she needed help: “I went to Al-Anon because I needed healing.”
Alicia shares, “Al-Anon provides gentle healing where we slough off our self-defeating behavior. We look to heal ourselves, not alcoholics. The slogan ‘one day at a time’ is the main one for me, but there are many more that work to direct our journey and bring us peace and serenity. We learn we are never alone and that is so very important. We help each other.”
Al-Anon will be displaying signage at the Dunnville Home Show on April 14 and 15, 2023 at Dunnville Memorial Arena located at 275 Ramsey Drive. Anyone interested in learning more about Al-Anon’s program of recovery is welcome to visit the booth, and alternatively you can visit al-anon.org. If you need help, please call or text 905-328-1677.
