Get Ready for Recovery Month: Reaching Families Worldwide Through Public Outreach

As we celebrate our 75^th anniversary, Al-Anon’s worldwide fellowship honors decades of providing hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. By raising awareness during September Recovery Month—and on International Recovery Day, September 30—we expand access to family recovery, reduce stigma, and ensure Al-Anon’s message reaches anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. To understand how Districts, Areas, and international structures can support these efforts, review the Public Outreach section in the “Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies” in the 2026–2029 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27). 

What happened at the 2026 World Service Conference?

The 66th World Service Conference (WSC) took place in Newport News, Virginia, USA, April 20–24, 2026. Each year, following the WSC, the World Service Office compiles Highlights of the World Service Conference, which provides brief reports of several Conference sessions. The 2026 Highlights are now posted on the Al-Anon website.

Stepping Off The Merry Go-Round

Before I came to Al-Anon, there were two merry-go-rounds whirling in my life, like an echo or double vision. One revolved around my older brother, who was also severely affected by alcoholism and who began mimicking our father’s sickness, behaving violently toward our mother and me. I, in turn, rode the other merry-go-round, mimicking our sick mother’s behavior towards our father. We both acted by default, not by conscious choice. 

After my first Al-Anon meeting, I had a powerful realization that we as a family are not the only ones caught up in this kind of circus ride. At the time, the pamphlet Alcoholism, a Merry-Go-Round Named Denial (P-3) was part of our newcomer’s packet. Had I not received it, I doubt I would have questioned my own behavior, let alone recognized our assigned family roles. So first, I am thankful I came, but I am equally thankful I came to this realization. 

Until I could comprehend the reach of alcoholism beyond my narrow, peripheral view of myself, I would never have come to believe, as described in Step Two, that a Power greater than myself could or would restore my sanity. I call this comprehension insight.

My thought for today is this: Insight is the ability to comprehend, without distortion, why I do the things I do. This insight comes through my Higher Power’s guidance and best intention for myself and my family.  

By Gregg L., Ontario

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