Hope and Help
The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness, and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing theTwelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.
Similarly, Alateen is our recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.IN AL-ANON WE LEARN:
Ø
Not to suffer because of the
actions or reactions of other people;
Ø
Not to allow ourselves to be
used or abused by others in the interest of another's recovery;
Ø
Not to do for others what they
could do for themselves;
Ø
Not to manipulate situations so
others will eat, go to bed, get up, pay bills, not drink;
Ø
Not to cover up for anyone's
mistakes or misdeeds;
Ø
Not to create a crisis;
Ø
Not to prevent a crisis if it
is in the natural course of events.
We call this "Detachment"
Detachment is neither kind nor unkind. It does not imply judgement or condemnation of the person or situation from which we are detaching. It is simply a means that allows us to separate ourselves from the adverse effects that another person's alcoholism can have upon our lives.
Detachment helps families look at their situations realistically and objectively, thereby making intelligent decisions possible.
AL-ANON IS a worldwide organization that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics whether or not the alcoholic seeks help or even recognizes the existence of a drinking problem. Members give and receive comfort and understanding through a mutual exchange of experiences, strength and hope. Sharing of similar problems binds individuals and groups together in a bond that is protected by a policy of anonymity.
Alcoholism is a family disease. Living with the effects of someone else's drinking is too devastating for most people to bear without help.
In Al-Anon we learn individuals are not responsible for another person's disease or recovery from it.
We let go of our obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights; lives guided by a Power greater than ourselves.
AL-ANON IS NOT a religious organization or a counseling agency. It is not a treatment center nor is it allied with any other organization offering such services. Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen for teenage members, neither express opinions on outside issues nor endorse outside enterprises. No dues or fees are required. Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one's own life has been adversely affected by someone else's drinking problem.
For more information please click here
If you are not sure Al-Anon is for you, try asking yourself these questions
20 Questions Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.,
Virginia Beach, VA
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