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
Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.