The Steinbach Al-Anon Family Group recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years of offering support to people impacted by someone else's drinking. The group, which began in 1975 shortly after the formation of the Auto City Alcoholics Anonymous Group, is part of a worldwide fellowship that started in 1951.
Al-Anon provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and find support, regardless of whether their loved ones are seeking recovery. Originally, most members were wives of men attending AA meetings. Over time, the group expanded to include partners, adult children of alcoholics, and more recently, parents whose children or grandchildren struggle with alcohol or drug use.
The organization’s approach is based on the Twelve Steps, which help members focus on their own recovery rather than trying to control the actions of others. Meetings are a place where participants can share their experiences and learn from others who are facing similar challenges.
Current members of the Steinbach group shared their experiences as part of the anniversary celebration. One member described Al-Anon as a “saving grace” at the lowest point in their life, saying it was a place where they felt understood without judgement. “I felt supported in what I was going through with the alcoholic in my life,” they said. “Al-Anon was a safe place to speak. I felt that I was understood and not judged. I have learned to set boundaries and be proud of my decision-making.”
Another member said that learning to reclaim their life through Al-Anon’s Twelve Steps has helped them grow emotionally and spiritually. “Somewhere in my alcoholic upbringing, I realized that alcoholism is not black and white. Fear and insecurity do not help me grow. Learning how to reclaim my life through the Twelve Steps is helping me emotionally and spiritually,” they said.
A third member highlighted the importance of acceptance and self-care, saying that without Al-Anon, they’re not sure how they would still be able to live a life full of joy. “A life riddled with addiction is hard and consuming. With the help of my friends in Al-Anon, I am learning how to care for myself without feeling guilty.”
While Steinbach does not have an Alateen group, teenagers are welcome to attend Al-Anon meetings. One teen, who has been attending meetings, said that the group has given them a renewed sense of hope and a safe space to express their feelings. “I was a frail ship on terrifying waters, and Al-Anon was the big bright lighthouse that led me to shore,” they wrote.
They shared that growing up in an alcoholic home led them to blame themselves for their loved one’s drinking. “For the longest time, I blamed myself, convinced that all the drinking was somehow because of me. Al-Anon has taught me that alcoholism, like any other disease, is never my fault,” they said.
The teen described how members welcomed them with open arms, creating a sense of family within the group. “I found family within the walls of Al-Anon. I found inspiration. I found serenity. Most importantly, though, I found my hope again.”
Another member of the group says, “I walked through the doors of Al-Anon at what I thought was the lowest, most broken point of my life. It was a last hope. Little did I realize it was actually to be my saving grace. Being welcomed into a room full of strangers, that suddenly felt like the family I didn't know I needed, was overwhelming. I started in Al-Anon to find support dealing with the upheaval of an alcoholic partner. Learning to "live and let live" in that situation prepared me for the journey I would take with my son on his road of addictions. I learned to accept my son, wherever he was in his addiction because of my own healing in Al-Anon. That journey has helped us create a relationship I didn't even know was possible. Today he is clean, and we share an amazing relationship.”
Al-Anon groups are open to anyone concerned about someone else’s drinking.
The website al-anon.org has information for both newcomers and professionals. Meeting information can also be found at mbnwo-alanon.org or call 204-943-6051.
The Steinbach Al-Anon Group meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, 304 Second Street (back door, downstairs).
Email steinbachafg@gmail.com. Contact person: Marlene 204-326-1172.