Alanon/alateen is a community-based mutual support program for the friends and families of alcoholics. The information and support they give to their members has such value that, in their most recent survey, 82% of those surveyed say their mental health and well-being had significantly improved by attending these meetings. Also have of those surveyed state that they have begun to volunteer for alanon/alateen themselves. The program is based on the 12 step program, just as AA is. However, it deals with issues that pertain directly to the loved ones.

So now you may be saying, yes, its a great resource. but it's just not for me...I said that for years...actually I said, "that won't help me". I made every excuse in the book why these programs wouldn't work, why they would be a waste of time. I told myself "well they don't know what I'm going through. It's different for me for one reason or another". Then reality set in, and I figured out that I was no different. Yes every story is different, and how we get to certain places in our lives are different, but in one aspect we are all the same...Someone in our lives have affected our life with their drinking. That is when I gave in and went to a meeting. It was amazing...I could open up(or not) and not have someone give me that "aww poor you" look(you all know which look I am talking about).

So now you may be asking yourself...can this work for me? Here is Alanon's response to that exact question..."Many who come to Al-Anon/Alateen are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help.

In Al-Anon and Alateen, members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not."*

Now comes the question...who will be at these meetings with me?...answer from alanon..."Al-Anon and Alateen members are people just like you and me–people who have been affected by someone else's drinking. They are parents, children, spouses, partners, brothers, sisters, other family members, friends, employers, employees, and coworkers of alcoholics. No matter what our specific experience has been we share a common bond: we feel our lives have been affected by someone else's drinking."*

Now here is the tough question...and I hope that if you are affected by alcoholism this is the question you are thinking...How do I find a meeting?...answer..."Al-Anon may be listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory. Cities with local information services are listed on our Web site. Many of those listed post meeting information on their Web sites. For meeting information in Canada, the US, and Puerto Rico you can call 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666) Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm ET."*

I encourage everyone to visit the alanon website (I've made it easy..just click here). Even if you are not directly affected, they always have opportunities for volunteers.