Can you relate to any of these questions?
Have you lied about things in your family situation to protect the person who is drinking? Have you withdrawn yourself from others out of embarrassment or fear of retribution by the drinker? Can you trust the answers she gives you when you ask her important questions? Are you afraid when he comes home after drinking?
Do you think if you control the money in the family that he won't be able to afford to drink? Does she owe people (including you) a lot of money? Are you frightened that there isn't enough money to support their drinking habits and the family expenses?
Do you think maybe you are at fault or are somehow the cause of her drinking? Are you a parent who is afraid for his life or future because of the path he has chosen? Do you believe that if he could just control his drinking all of your problems would go away? Do you hope that if she gets into AA (or any addictions program) that it will be the solution to all of the family troubles? If your loved one is already in a program, do you know how to support him and find your own serenity?
In the privacy of your own home or using ear buds at the local library you can become acquainted with the type of support Al-Anon offers without having to go to a meeting or talk to anyone by accessing the audio recordings available on the National Al-Anon/Alateen website at http://al-anonfamilygroups.org/Podcasts/FirstSteps/
This series deals with common concerns of people affected by someone else's drinking. The ideas probably work for friends and family of other types of addictions as well even though the stories shared are those of Al-Anon members.
The creator of these podcasts said, "One of the reasons people isolate [themselves] is they are afraid the drinking is their fault, and they don't want anyone to find out. Podcasts offer familiesa way to try the anonymous and confidential support they can receive at local Al-Anon or Alateen meetings. The same fear that causes people to isolate themselves can create a strong bond of recovery between those who have been in the same situation."
Family members of problem drinkers can find relief for themselves and hope for their loved ones in Al-Anon Family Groups. Christine McKaskle, a counsellor in the field of alcohol treatment, said, "Speaking as a counsellor, I can tell you that the relief I've seen in people who attend Al-Anon and Alateen is nothing short of phenomenal. Even my clients who choose just to sit and listen report that the meetings help them immensely, and those who are hungry to talk find people who willingly give time to listen."
There are four local Al-Anon Family Group meetings and many more AA meetings here on the Sunshine Coast in Gibsons, Davis Bay and Sechelt.
To find out more, please visit the ongoing events listed in the Community Calendar (on pages 36 and 37 this week). Be assured that maintaining anonymity is a primary principle practiced by individuals in both groups.
- Submitted
