Several years ago I saw a neurologist for a back injury. In addition to caring for my back, she always asked how I was doing. One day I was feeling very low and knew I would cry when she asked me how I was, so I wrote my answer on a piece of paper—sad, worried, sleepless, and constantly crying. I gave my doctor the note when I went to my appointment. After she read it, she looked me right in the eye and said, "Oh my, either you are an alcoholic or someone you love very much is—and you've taken on all of his responsibilities."

Wow! It stunned me that the doctor could tell I loved someone who had a drinking problem. She asked me if I attended Al-Anon. I said I had never heard of it. She told me her husband died from alcoholism. She also said there was an Al-Anon meeting that night and she would meet me there if I wanted to go. I didn't want to, but since she cared that much about me I said I would meet her.

I didn't want to go back after the first meeting I attended, but I promised myself I'd try six meetings. By then I knew I belonged in Al-Anon. I attended every meeting and service event that I could, and I soaked up everything.

It deeply affected me when my husband and sons drank. My recovery hasn't been easy. Great things didn't happen over night but it did get easier as I worked the Al-Anon program. I learned how to let go of other people's responsibilities. I hate to think where I would be if my doctor hadn't told me about Al-Anon. I believe the program works because all the members have a common bond. Al-Anon has saved many lives and I will be forever grateful that my caring doctor recommended it to me.

By Lois S., Pennsylvania
The Forum, April 2005

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