Al-Anon meets every Thursday in Bolivar NY
The day I walked through the doors of Al-anon was the day I saved my life. I have the deepest gratitude for the people that were at my first meeting. They welcomed me with open arms and provided a safe and anonymous place for me to share my story. I was a desperate, broken person with no idea who I was or what I could do to improve my situation. The members who were there told me to keep coming back and that’s exactly what I did. I decided early on that I would be a lifetime member of Al-anon because I wanted to be there for the newcomers that would bravely walk through those doors in the future.
I have learned many things over the years. One extremely valuable lesson was, I didn’t cause the alcoholic to drink; I can’t control it and I can’t cure it. This helped me to learn to focus on myself and start a journey of self-discovery. I had long since focused all my attention on the alcoholic in my life. I came to the realization that nothing I ever did could help the alcoholic stop drinking, see the beauty of their self-worth or make them have a happy life. It was time for me to get busy with the business of discovering my own self-worth and create a life that I loved whether the alcoholic was drinking or not.
This program has helped to save many lives that were affected by the ravages of alcoholism. The focus in an Al-anon meeting is not on the alcoholic but on ourselves. We are looking to reclaim our sanity often in an insane situation. So many of the problems due to alcoholism or drug abuse are often too much for many of us to handle alone. When you enter an al-anon room you no longer have to suffer in silence. You will be among friends. You will find a safe place to heal.
I am one of the lucky ones who have stuck with the program and I have learned to practice the principles of Al-anon in all aspects of my life. I am happy now for the first time in my life and all of my relationships have improved because of this program. We welcome anyone who is struggling with someone’s drinking or drugging, for you will find in these rooms’ acceptance and love and a path forward that is bound to improve.
With deepest gratitude for the program and love and concern for anyone who is struggling,
-Anonymous
Bolivar discussion group AFG
Thursday 6:00 PM
Bolivar United Methodist Church
80 Friendship St, Bolivar, NY, 14715, USA
Use back door-upstairs to right. at the end of the hall.
Other meetings in the area:
The AL-Anon Preamble, which is read at the start of each meeting:
The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.
Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.
