The Forum             

The Forum is an international monthly publication of Al-Anon Family Groups, that offers help and hope for the families and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon and Alateen members share their challenges, insights, and progress along their path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The magazine also includes topics for discussion at meetings as well as news and information from Al-Anon's World Service Conference and World Service Office. To order your subscription click HERE. 

The following articles are reprinted from the January 2026 issue, with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA

Let Recovery Begin with Me

Before I came into Al-Anon, I thought that my fate was entirely connected to that of my alcoholic loved one. I thought that when my loved one got sober, our family problems would go away. I felt helpless waiting for that to happen.

Desperate for change, I went to Al-Anon. I learned that alcoholism is a family disease, and I adopted the slogan, “Let It Begin with Me.” For me, “It” represents recovery. Let recovery begin with me.

I can be the one to bring recovery into my home and family. I can be the one to attend my meetings regularly. I can be the one to “Listen and Learn.” I can be the one to get a Sponsor and work the Twelve Steps of recovery. I can be the one to practice these principles in all my affairs. I no longer have to wait for anyone else. As I continue to become healthier working my recovery program, I bring that healthier “me” to every “we” I am part of.
Let recovery begin with me.

By Susan O.

The Forum, January 2026

Our Welcome Format

“Could we please go around the room and introduce ourselves by our first name?” As a newcomer, this phrase held special significance for me.

When I first came into an Al-Anon meeting, each person around the table shared their name, and then it was my turn. For the very first time in a very long while, I felt valued as a person. Sharing names made me feel safe, accepted, and like I was a “part of” the group. It made me feel welcome, as it introduced me to everyone present, helping me feel less like a stranger and giving me a name to match each face.

Later, when they asked if there were any newcomers in the room, I realized that had I not said my name as we went around the room, I might have felt uncomfortable acknowledging I was new and missed this precious opportunity.

During the sharing part of the meeting, people would again say their name before beginning to share their experiences. This practice reaffirmed the safety of the room and encouraged me to open up to the other members. By this time, I had names to accompany the faces I was getting to know.

Flash forward to today, and I now belong to several electronic groups. It may be just me, but each time I’ve said my name, it has validated me as an individual. It has validated my connection to my Al‑Anon Family Group, and, equally importantly, it continually reestablishes the safety net of confidentiality found in the room. By saying my name as I begin to share, I open myself up for others to find me after the meeting for fellowship or to use as a resource for phone calls after the meeting.

Some of us need this weekly reminder of connection, confidentiality, and validation as we are working our program while in the trenches of living every day with our families, our relationships, and our jobs. We are continuously striving to “belong” and be valued in all areas of our lives, leveraging the tools we gain while working our program.

By Peggie C.

The Forum, January 2026

Loving Guidelines

Recently I had the privilege of listening to a sponsee’s Fifth Step. As they were telling me the many ways they had harmed themselves, I asked, “What rule was that due to?” They burst into tears. That rule was the belief they had internalized as a four-year-old while growing up in a family affected by the disease of alcoholism.

Since that occasion, I’ve asked members of my Al‑Anon group and personally reflected on the question: What rule was that due to? We all provided answers that were similar yet different, based on what our mothers, our fathers, or ourselves communicated to us. We had heard things like “Don’t be seen,” “Don’t be too loud,” “Don’t stand up for yourself,” and “Don’t tell anyone.” Whatever we heard, it stuck with us.

Now that I’m in recovery, I can ask myself whether that rule is still valid or applicable and whether I would choose it again. If it’s no longer serving me, I can release it. In its place, my Higher Power can give me kinder, gentler, and more loving guidelines instead of rules.

By Barbara K.

The Forum, January 2026