Al-Anon and what it means to Relatives and
            Friends of Alcoholics
            While most of us know that alcoholism is a disease, too few reconize 
            it as a "family disease" which may affect three or four people in 
            each home emotionally, spiritually and often physically.
            A-Anon gives us the assurance that nno situation it to difficult and 
            no unhappiness to great to be overcome. With the understanding that 
            alcoholism is a disease, and with the realization that we are 
            powerless over it, as well as over other people, we are ready to do 
            somethinng useful and constructive with our own lives. Only than can 
            we be of help to others.
            Without spiritual help, living with a problem drinker is too much 
            for most of us. We become nerveous, irritable, and resentful. Our 
            thinking becomes distorted. A change in our attitude may of 
            boundless help andis often the force for good that finally inspires 
            an alcoholic to seek help.
            The program, which is also a spiritual way of life is based on the 
            suggested Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Study of this 
            program and its Twelve Steps will strengthen you for the solving of 
            many difficult problems.
            Twenty Questions Most Often Asked:
            1. What is Alcoholisn?
            It is a threefold disease affecting the body, the mind and the 
            spirit.
            2. How can the family help an alcoholic?
            By adopting the Al-Anon program we can stop trying to reform the 
            alcoholic, whom we can NOT change, and turn our attention to 
            ourselves, whom we can change.
            3. What is Al-Anon?
            A fellowship made up of relatives and friends of alcoholics, who 
            hope to solve their common problems by sharing experience and 
            increasing their knowledge and understanding of themselves and the 
            alcoholic.
            4. What can we do to help an alcoholic stop drinking?
            By changing our own attitude we provide a healthier enviorment for 
            the whole family, including the alcoholic. Very often this helps him 
            realize his own condition, and this may lead him to Alcoholics 
            Anonymous.
            5. How can we change our attitudes?
            a. By following the Al-Anon program, its Steps, Traditions, Slogans 
            and prayers.
            b. By attempting to understand the disease of alcoholism and its 
            effect on us.
            c. By attending meetings regularly.
            6. Should we serve drinks at home?
            This is an individual matter. It may seem advisable not to at the 
            beginning of sobriety. Depends on the alcoholic's reaction.
            7. Should we accept invitations to gatherings where drinks are 
            served?
            Let the alcoholic decide for himself and you decide for yourself.
            8. Should we stop drinking?
            If it makes any difference to the alcoholic it might be adviable, 
            but some some alcoholics prefer others to drink as usual.
            9. Is there a time when we can talk to our alcoholic about his 
            drinking or any other serious problem?
            This, in most... cases , must be "played by ear." Many have found 
            him to be more accessible after a heavy drinking bout. You, 
            yourselves, however, must be calm and detached whenever any problems 
            are discussed.
            10. Should we coddle our alcoholics?
            No. The more attention he gets, the less he will do for himself, and 
            the longer he will go on drinking.
            11. Will our troubles be over when the alcoholic stops drinking?
            Don't evpect too much too soon. Progress from illiness to health 
            takes a long time, and not all problems are caused by alcoholism.
            12. Will we need Al-Anon after the alcoholic has stopped drinking?
            Yes. The adjustment to a normal husband-wife relationship, and all 
            family relationships, can be aided by the tolorance and 
            understanding gained through Al-Anon.
            13. Are we sick, too? 
            Yes. Bill W. has described alcoholism as a contagious disease. It is 
            well to remember that you are suffering from the effects of the 
            disease.
            14. What responsibilities can an alcoholic take?
            Few until he has stopped drinking. Some alcoholics can assume 
            responsibilities more quickly then others, but the abilities of an 
            alcoholic who has achieved sobriety may be limitless.
            15. How can we help the alcoholic after he stops drinking?
            By giving him love and undeerstanding because he needs it so 
            desperately.
            16. What is a "dry drunk?"
            When an alcoholic, who has not been drinking, gets into a state of 
            mind ordinarily associated with alcohol, he is said to be having a 
            :dry drunk." It often occurs at the beginning of sobriety and is not 
            unusual later. Non-alcoholics can have emotional dry-drunks, too.
            17. Do we. in Al-Anon have slips?
            Yes. Habits are hard to break, and sometimes we slip back into old 
            ways of thinking and acting. Keeping in touch with Al-anon by means 
            of telephone, Al-Anon literature, or attending meetings is an 
            insurance against slips.
            18. How can we keep the alcoholic away from his drinking campanions?
            Don't try to.
            19. How do we keep from getting discouraged?
            a. Through faith in God and the program.
            b. Through keeping busy and helping others.
            c. Through prayer.
            20. How can we achieve serenity?
            a. By keeping an open mind at meetings, thereby gaining knowledgee 
            and strength from the group.
            b. By adopting only what is most suitable to us, personally, from 
            the Twelve Steps, Twilve Traditions, the Serenity Prayer, and the 
            slogans.
            c. By learning to "Let go and let God;" by emotionally detaching 
            ourselves from the alcoholic woth love on our hearts and with trust 
            in God.
            One Day At a Time
            The alcoholic who has found AA is constantly reminded that he needs 
            only to stay sober one day at a time. Today, for him, as for us, is 
            the key word.
            The ancient Persian poet Omar says:
            :Unborn Tomorrow and dead Yesterday, Why fret about them if TODAY be 
            sweet!"
            Our business is to make today sweetfull of achievement, improvement, 
            interesting activity. If we concentrate on Today in this way, we'll 
            have no time for brooding over dead yesterdays, or worring about 
            what tomorrow will bring. One thing we can be sure of- if we do our 
            best today, our tomorrows will certinally be better then our 
            yesterdays.
            Anyone can meet the problems of just one day at a time. It is only 
            when we add the awful burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we are 
            raking on more trouble then we can cope with.
            It is not what happens today that is beyond our powers to endure, it 
            is remorse or bitterness for things that happened yesterday, and 
            dread of what tomorrow will bring.
            Let us remind ourselves, each morning, that we will live this one 
            day ass fully and confidently as we can, and let God take care of 
            the rest.
            ..................
            This page hosted by Geocities  Get your own Free Home Page