Alcoholism Addiction Treatment
From LoveToKnow Recovery
Alcoholism addiction treatment for families and friends of alcoholics is available. Many support groups have been started with the recognition that an alcoholic's illness affects much more than his/her own life. Whether or not the alcoholic is ready for treatment, family and friends can get help. One of the most famous groups, Al-Anon, is for family, friends, and youth who have suffered from the behavior of an alcoholic who is close to them.
Alcoholism Addiction Treatment: Al-Anon and Alateen
Al-Anon and its youth group Alateen have over 26,000 meetings in 115 countries. For family and friends of an alcoholic, this kind of support group can mean the difference between living a productive life or one filled with constant worry, fear, and blame.
Al-Anon meetings are group meetings. No one who attends is required to participate unless they wish to do so. All meetings are confidential. No fees or dues are required, but voluntary donations help keep Al-Anon funded. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon believes that total abstinence is the only way to control a drinking problem. Al-Anon is a spiritual, but not necessarily religious, fellowship. Spiritual terms can be defined any way a participant wishes.
Healing within Al-Anon and Alateen is based on the same principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. All members follow the 12 Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous themselves. Additionally, they follow the Twelve Traditions of Fellowship and unity of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Twelve Concepts of Service provide guidance for service. General rules and regulations are set in the General Warranties of the Conferences.
Even if the alcoholic is out of the person’s life, getting support and attending meetings can still be beneficial. Adults who were children of alcoholics and children of divorced or separated parents are welcome to attend. The group believes it’s never too late for friends and families of alcoholics to seek alcoholism addiction treatment. Spouses, siblings, other relatives, friends, employers, and co-workers of alcoholics may also attend meetings.
Do I Need Al-Anon?
If you think you might need the support of Al-Anon, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I worry about someone else’s drinking?
- Am I under financial duress because of someone else’s drinking?
- Do I tell lies to cover up someone’s drinking?
- Are my plans frequently upset because of a drinker?
- Am I hurt or embarrassed by a drinker’s behavior?
- Do I search for hidden alcohol?
- Do I feel angry, depressed, or confused?
- Do I seek out or attract compulsive/abusive people?
- Do I fear authority figures?
- Am I embarrassed to bring my friends home?
- Are mealtimes stressful?
- Do I bargain with or threaten a drinker in the hope that I can change his/her behavior?
- Have I thought about calling the police when a drinker’s behavior is out of control?
If you answered yes to any of the questions, then a support group like Al-Anon or Alateen may be beneficial. At the very least, you may want to read more about this method of alcoholism addiction treatment for friends of family affected by a loved one’s drinking problem.
Other Support Groups
Al-Anon and Alateen are not the only support groups available for family and friends of alcoholics. Other support groups can be found within churches, community centers, non-profit organizations, and online.
Miracles in Progress Family Teens Support Group is an online resource for teenagers dealing with alcohol and drug addiction in their families. Members can chat online with others going through the same feelings and situations. A twice-a-week group meeting is online. Information on alcohol and other addictions is available. Additionally, information on other teen issues like smoking, pregnancy, and eating disorders is offered.
Families Anonymous is a group meeting for friends and relatives of people with alcohol or drug related problems. Families Anonymous aims to help those who blame themselves or whose lives are being adversely affected by someone near them who has an addiction.
A Christian faith-based organization, the Salvation Army, offers six-week Family Education classes for parents, siblings, and spouses of those taking part in Salvation Army recovery programs. The classes show family members what they can and cannot do to help the addict and themselves.
Please contact your local health organization, physician’s office, or spiritual leader for more information on family and friend support groups in your area.
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