Each family has their own struggles. These struggles make their lives difficult and challenge their relationship. All over the world, families struggle with having someone they love to fall into alcoholism. When that loved one chooses to overcome their alcoholism, the family as whole recovers with them.
The Al-anon Family Groups is a nonprofit organization. They offer help for families and friends affected by alcoholism. Al-Anon also has a branch called Alateen. Alateen’s programs are aimed to help teen members of families.
Al-Anon and Alateen help families whose loved one has a drinking problem. Their purpose is to educate and guide the families to support their loved ones in recovering from alcohol abuse.
How will Al-Anon Help me?
Having someone in the family deal with alcoholism is difficult. The trials and emotion can wear a person down. It can make someone believe that the situation is hopeless.
Al-Anon and Alateen help family members see the hope and strength that they have. They have a 12-step program that will guide members towards the healing process. They follow a similar 12 step program from Alcoholics Anonymous, the group that helps victims of alcoholism. This 12 step program is their guide for families of recovering alcoholics.
Their programs can educate the family members about the struggles of alcoholism. It can also help them understand how their loved ones fell into it, and how to support them. All the while, their program acknowledges their own struggles and guides them into their own recovery.
Members of Al-Anon and Alateen share their own experience and support one another. Hearing what others go through can offer inspiration. Success stories from other members can show evidence that there is still hope after all the difficulties. Members who have gone through the healing process can offer advice, having been through the same situation as the new members.
What are the 12 Steps of Al-Anon?
Al-Anon’s 12 step program is designed to help families while their loved ones recover from alcoholism. Members practice this 12 step program and help each other by sharing their personal lessons.
The 12 steps are as follows:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol–that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
What if I’m Not Ready to go to a Meeting?
There can be much reason why people may be reluctant to join Al-Anon. The stressful situation of living with alcoholism can make us feel hopeless. Coping with the situation may sound easier than finding a way to free ourselves from it.
Many people have felt uncertainty and even anxiety about attending groups like Al-Anon. But giving it a chance won’t do any harm. It may even give hope.
If you feel that you’re not ready to become a member, you can still visit different meetings of Al-Anon. This way, you can learn more about what Al-Anon is and what it has to offer. It’s better to make an informed decision before choosing to join or not. The meeting can give you inspiration, at least.
Will Al-Anon say I’ve been there?
Al-Anon prioritizes anonymity for their members. Their programs and meetings are confidential. Al-Anon understands the importance of keeping their members’ situations in private. They guarantee that whoever joins their meetings and what they share during the meetings will not be disclosed.
Do I have to talk at Meetings?
Members are free to talk during meetings. It’s not a requirement. It’s your choice if you want to just listen or to engage in the meetings. New members are welcome to listen and learn. New members will also get a list of local meetings and literature to help them.
Even by listening to the meeting, you can gain from Al-Anon meetings. Others’ experiences and advice can give you insight into your own situation. If you are ready to share your own story, then you will be given a chance to do so.
Do I Need to Reserve a Spot at Al-Anon Meetings?
Reservation is not required to join Al-Anon meetings. The meetings can be attended just be walking in. Groups assign a contact person who you can inquire to about the schedule and other information for the meetings. You can communicate with your local Al-Anon group to learn about their meetings. It’s your choice to attend which meeting you will attend and how often you will visit them.
Is Al-Anon Religious?
Al-Anon aims at spiritual development. This is different from religious groups. They focus on spiritual guidance to be more welcoming to members of different religions. Al-Anon’s 12 step program talk about a greater power. But it is up to the member in how they interpret this greater power.
If a relative, a loved one, or a friend is dealing with alcoholism, you may experience difficulty in coping with the situation. While your loved one is recovering from their alcoholism, you can get support too. If you feel that you need help, then contact your local Al-Anon group to learn about their meetings.
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