Living with an Alcoholic with the Help of Al-Anon - Second Printing, January 1962 - ODJ

Living with an Alcoholic — With the Help of Al-Anon
Second Printing — January 1962
With Original Dust Jacket

Publisher: Al-Anon Family Groups
Edition: Second Printing
Publication Date: January 1962
Binding: Hardcover with original dust jacket

Description

Offered here is a Second Printing (January 1962) of Living with an Alcoholic — With the Help of Al-Anon, one of the foundational books of the Al-Anon Family Groups. Written specifically for spouses, relatives, and loved ones of alcoholics, this book represents an early and important effort to address the family disease of alcoholism—separate from, but deeply connected to, Alcoholics Anonymous.

At the time of its publication, Al-Anon was still a relatively young fellowship, formed to meet the unmet needs of those living alongside alcoholism. This book helped articulate the Al-Anon message of hope, personal responsibility, and emotional recovery for families affected by drinking—principles that remain central to Al-Anon today.

About the Book

Living with an Alcoholic introduces readers to the purpose and philosophy of the Al-Anon Family Groups, explaining how family members can find relief from fear, insecurity, resentment, and isolation—regardless of whether the alcoholic is drinking or sober.

Key themes include:

• Understanding alcoholism as a family illness

• Learning to detach with love

• Finding serenity independent of the alcoholic’s behavior

• Coping with both active drinking and sobriety-related family challenges

• The importance of fellowship and shared experience

The book prominently features the Serenity Prayer, which became a cornerstone of Al-Anon spiritual practice:

“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
and Wisdom to know the difference.”

This volume reflects Al-Anon’s early voice—gentle, practical, and rooted in lived experience rather than theory.

Condition

Book: Very Good condition. Minimal overall wear. A name is handwritten on the first page. A stamp appears on the final page. No other writing, highlighting, or markings present. Pages are complete and intact.

Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present. Very good overall with light edge wear, fading, and some staining consistent with age.

Significance

Early printings of Al-Anon literature are increasingly difficult to find, especially with original dust jackets intact. This 1962 Second Printing represents an important moment in the formalization and growth of Al-Anon as a fellowship and offers insight into how families of alcoholics were first encouraged to pursue their own recovery.

An excellent addition for collectors of Al-Anon history, family-recovery literature, or mid-century Twelve Step publications.

Please review all photos carefully for condition details.