1. Introduction
The Al-Anon program is a fellowship organization founded by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members to support individuals who are struggling with alcoholism and its effects on themselves and their loved ones. The Al-Anon logo, commonly known as "Two Words," was introduced in 1949 by Dr. Robert E. Lee, with the phrase "It works if you work it."
2. Background
Al-Anon, derived from the words of Al-Anon member Anne D. Williams, is the alternative name for AA, designed for friends and family members of alcoholics. The program is based on the belief that helping the spouse or partner recover is crucial to the overall success of the alcoholic's own recovery.
3. Slogans and Acronyms
- Keep It Simple: This slogan encourages attendees to simplify their focus on the tasks at hand and avoid distractions.
- Live and Let Live: This slogan promotes the idea of non-interference and allowing others the freedom to make their own choices.
- How Important Is It?: This slogan asks whether it's necessary to change others when they continue to abuse substances.
- Progress Not Perfection: This slogan emphasizes the importance of making steady improvement rather than striving for perfection.
- Let Go and Let God: This slogan advises attendees to let go of controlling others and instead entrust their lives to God.
- One Day At A Time: This slogan encourages attendees to approach life one day at a time, avoiding the overwhelming effects of living with an alcoholic.
- T.H.I.N.K.: A popular Al-Anon acronym that stands for "True, harmful, important, necessary, kind."
- **IS IT: True? HELPFUL? INFORMATIVE? NECESSARY? KIND?"
- **DETACHING, EDGING OUT, GIVING TO GOD, TAKING ACTION"
- Don't Even Think About Changing Them: This slogan advises against trying to change the behavior of an alcoholic when they are unable to change themselves.
- EGO: An acronym for "Ego's Got Out Of Control" or the act of allowing oneself to become overly confident in one's abilities.
- F.E.A.R.: Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Anon (not to be confused with "False Evidence Appearing Real")
- G.O.D.: An acronym for "God ON DECK" or the necessity of relying on God's power to change lives.
- GOOD ORDERLY DIRECTION: A phrase used in Al-Anon that emphasizes following the program's guiding principles in a structured and organized way."
- HALT: An acronym for "Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired" or the common emotions that may accompany an alcoholic's relapse.
- LOVE: An acronym for "Looking Out For Each Other" or the support of one another during challenging times.
- LET OTHERS VOLUNTARILY EVOLVE: An Al-Anon philosophy encouraging loved ones to allow the alcoholic the space to reflect and grow independent of their control.
- QUANTITY, QUALITY, REASON: An Al-Anon guideline suggesting that it's better to have a little less quantity (alcohol) but a better quality (sober) of life.
- POSTPONE ACTION UNTIL SERENITY EMERGES: An Al-Anon principle that emphasizes avoiding immediate solutions and instead waiting until serenity and calm allow for more constructive actions.
- SHAMAE: An acronym for "Surely, Have A Meeting Every Night," a suggestion for regular meetings as part of the Al-Anon program.
- THWART: An acronym for "Thoughts WHATEVER, Actions Total," encouraging individuals to focus on taking action rather than endlessly discussing their thoughts.
- WHOOPS: An acronym used to describe a situation where things go horribly wrong, often related to excessive use of alcohol.
- YOHO: An acronym for "You Ought To Have Known Better," used to remind individuals that their behavior may have caused harm to themselves or others.
- YEAH: An acronym used to emphasize the positive aspects of a situation or the need for self-acceptance, rather than dwelling on failures.
4. Significance
The Al-Anon slogans, along with other foundational concepts such as the Twelve Steps and the Big Book of Al-Anon, have become integral to the recovery process for those struggling with alcoholism. These ideas promote self-change, foster a strong support system, and强调了 the role of loved ones in the recovery journey.