Someone else’s drinking, someone else’s substance use, a family member’s addiction – fears caused by problems like these are difficult at the best of times. In this difficult period of COVID-19, such fears are intensified and a loved one’s drinking can be even more of a problem than in normal times. Now, as December darkens and the winter holidays approach, the local Al-Anon Family Groups want to remind the community that support for family and friends of alcoholics and other addicts is available.
Alcoholism affects everyone who has a relationship with a problem drinker.
Those of us closest to the alcoholic suffer the most and we can easily get caught up in the behaviour of another person. We focus on them, their actions, their whereabouts.
We try to control their drinking or substance use. Sometimes we even take on the blame, guilt, and shame that are properly theirs. We too can become ill.
Friends and families of problem drinkers and substance users find understanding and support at Al-Anon meetings. And there’s Alateen for younger people too. Many who come to Al-Anon or Alateen are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We all come because we want and need help.
In Al-Anon and Alateen, members share their experience, strength and hope with one another. They meet others who share similar feelings and frustrations, if not identical situations. In coming together, they learn how to find happiness, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not—or whether the user is still using or not.
A basic principle of Alanon/Alateen is anonymity. Meetings are confidential. We do not disclose whom we see or what we hear at meetings.
Because of the pandemic, we meet in “Zoom” rooms, but also in-person meetings:
- Monday, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom (contact 604-740-5988) and in-person at Living Faith Lutheran Church, Davis Bay.
- Tuesday, noon to 1:30 p.m. Zoom (contact 604-885-0101) plus in St. Hilda’s gathering room, Sechelt.
- Wednesday is Zoom-only 7:30 to 8:30 pm (contact 604-740-6907).
- Thursday over Zoom 7 to 8 p.m. (contact 604-885-0101) and in-person at St.Hilda’s gathering room, Sechelt at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, noon to 1:30 p.m. Zoom (contact 604-886-0228) or in-person at St Bart’s Church, Gibsons.
