The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
As I mentioned earlier, I am new to the program. I love reading the message boards and want to read as much as I can to familiarize myself with the program. I ordered the book Courage to Change and I received it today. From what I have read thus far, I think it will be a great help. It just wasn't what I expected. I am looking for a book that outlines the program, including the steps and other guidelines. Basically Al-Anon for Dummies. Does anyone have any suggestions on beginner reading material. Again, I think the C2C book will be very helpful. I love daily affirmations and motivations. I just want the beginner book, if you will.
Thanks for help!
Also, I want to thank everyone for being so welcoming and open. The stories I have read are so familiar and make me feel like I am not alone in this journey. Everything I have read has been so encouraging and makes me believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is so nice to have a place where I feel safe to share my stories and feelings without embarrassment or the fear of being judged. Thank you all so much!
Hi I understand your concern and have found that the C2C provides a very subtle outline of the program principles and tools . Books that outline the program in the format that you are looking are: How Alanon Works, From Survival TO Recovery and Paths to Recovery.
Good Luck Please keep coming back recovery is a process
I agree with Betty's suggestions. It might be possible to find them at the library to see if one appeals more than another. All will certainly get you going on the Al-Anon principles and steps. If you're an online shopper (like me) and want to get a feel for the steps, look to the top right and you can find the steps and write-ups from members who are working them online....Betty posts a new one every 2 weeks!
Glad you feel less alone - I know MIP was and is a huge help for me on my journey. Keep coming back!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
I'll just add my vote for "How Al-Anon Works" as a basic introduction. I found my first copy at the public library. It's the least expensive, yet most comprehensive, of all the Al-Anon books. It's also available in e-book format.
So glad to hear you have found us, and that you experienced the fellowship and understanding of others who have walked in your shoes. There are millions of us.
In the back of the Courage 2 Change book is the Al-Anon steps and traditions. I only mention it because after a year I changed my home group and at the last face to face meeting as part of their opening they read from Courage 2 Change and the steps and traditions. I was trying to recite them from memory and another member showed me.....who knew?! lol
How Al Anon Works changed my life, reading it felt like a shortcut through a couple of years of meetings. I looked at alcoholism in my wife and in others in brand new, much more productive and empathetic ways.
