Alcoholism is widely recognized as a disease of compulsive drinking, which can be arrested, but not cured. It is a progressive illness, which will get only worse as long as the person continues to drink. Total abstinence from drinking is the only way to arrest the disease. Alcoholism affects the entire family; indeed, everyone who has contact with the alcoholic is affected. Unfortunately, the only person who can stop the alcoholic from drinking is the alcoholic himself or herself. What is alcoholism?

How do alcoholics affect families and friends? Alcoholism is a family disease. The disease affects all those who have a relationship with a problem drinker. Those of us closest to the alcoholic suffer the most, and those who care the most can easily get caught up in the behavior of another person. We react to the alcoholic's behavior. We focus on them, what they do, where they are, how much they drink. We try to control their drinking for them. We take on the blame, guilt, and shame that really belong to the drinker. We can become as addicted to the alcoholic, as the alcoholic is to alcohol. We, too, can become ill.

Al-Anon at a glance… Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counselor or therapist. This support network complements and supports professional treatment. There are no dues or fees. Groups are self-supporting, and usually pass a basket around for a voluntary contribution to pay for rent or Al-Anon literature. No advance notification or written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend.

For Spouses and Partners A significant other can affect our emotional well-being, for better or for worse. Problem drinking can make life extremely difficult for the friends and family. Al-Anon members share their experience, strength, and hope in coping with an intimate relationship that is affected by alcoholism.

For Adult Children Many Al-Anon members have come to understand how their current life situation was affected by their experience growing up in a home where a parent had a drinking problem. It’s not unusual to see inter-generational effects of alcoholism, where grandparents, parents, and children are all affected by a family member’s drinking, or several family member’s drinking.

Alateen – for teens It’s very difficult when one (or both) of your parents has a drinking problem. It affects how you are treated and it shapes your world. Alateen meetings are where you can find support and understanding from people your own age who are going through similar difficulties. If there’s no Alateen meeting in your community, you’re always welcome to attend an Al-Anon meeting.

For Siblings It can be painful to see a brother or sister suffering from alcoholism. As a family illness, alcoholism affects every family member in a different way.

For Parents One of the most difficult challenges in life is trying to cope with a child’s problem with alcohol and drugs. Many people come to Al-Anon for the support and understanding they need to handle this heart-breaking situation.

For Grandparents When your adult children have problems with alcohol, it’s natural to also be concerned about your grandchildren. An increasing number of grandparents are finding support and understanding for their problems at Al-Anon meetings.

IS AL ANON FOR YOU??? Help is here for the asking. Our 20 question self-quizzes can help you decide if Al-Anon may be of help. Select a quiz from the table, and ask yourself the questions. If you identify with some of the sentiments, we encourage you to give Al-Anon or Alateen a try!

At Al-Anon Family Group meetings, the friends and family members of problem drinkers share their experiences and learn how to apply the principles of the Al-Anon program to their individual situations.

Members learn they are not alone in the problems they face, and that they have choices that lead to greater peace of mind, whether the drinker continues to drink or not.

If you have any questions about Al-Anon please ask; we are happy to share what Al-Anon has done in our lives. Take a meeting list provided