AlAnon Attendance

I attended an AlAnon meeting this week. I had decided that AlAnon would be more comfortable for me and that my presence might be more readily accepted by those in the group. I was amazed by the welcome I received. I did share that I have a recovering family member and that I was attending due to that fact and that I probably should have attended AlAnon years ago. I also let them know that I am enrolled in a graduate counseling course which offered an assignment of attendance at meetings as a means of learning more about the various 12-Step programs. I had attended an AA and an OA meeting several years ago as a part of another counseling course and for years have recommended AlAnon and AlaTeen to students and families I've counseled in schools. I found the meeting comfortable and valuable. The people in the room clearly live a 12-Step program and offer tremendous support to one another. The meeting began with the Serenity Prayer and a review of the steps and traditions. After that, people had the opportunity to share. It was clear that the support offered helped various individuals, not necessarily with dealing with issues of alcoholism, but with issues of life. It was most obvious that the consistency of a group that is positive can be of benefit since many people in the room were individuals who had been involved for years. I believe there is data that indicates that a 12-Step program combined with therapy/counseling provides the most success, but I need to do some research to be certain this is supported, which I will do. I am so grateful for the kindness of the people I met. This was a wonderful experience.