AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS AND ALATEEN OFFER HELP AND HOPE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES OF PROBLEM DRINKERS

Al-Anon and Alateen are international organizations jointly known as Al-Anon Family Groups with a membership of over half a million men, women, and teens. A twelve-step program of recovery is provided for relatives and friends of alcoholics who share the common bond of having their lives affected by someone else's drinking. Al-Anon is for adults within the program, and Alateen is for young people (ages 12 to 20). Those who attend meetings are not required to speak; you can simply sit back and listen to others. The meetings are confidential, and there are no dues or fees.

Ric B., the Executive Director of Al-Anon Family Groups, says that therapists and other health care professionals recommend attending a meeting because they know their patients and clients can find understanding and support there. Group members discover that there are positive steps they can take to make their lives better.

Ric B. says "It might seem overwhelming to make just one more decision or impossible to find a single hour to get some help. Yet asking for help or making that phone call to find a local Al-Anon meeting could make a huge difference in your life."

New members discover they are not alone when they listen to other members' stories and hear how they apply the Al-Anon program to their daily lives. They find hope and support when they meet other people who have experienced similar feelings, fears, and frustrations. Al-Anon members find a better way of life whether or not the drinking stops.

Neil A. Capretto, the Medical Director of Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania says that people referred to Al-Anon show significant improvement in their health, well-being, and total daily functioning. Unfortunately, health care providers often lack the time to screen patients who would benefit by Al-Anon.

According to Dr. Capretto, there is a screening tool - the "Family CAGE" - which can help identify people who have been affected by someone else's drinking. The screening involves four questions:

·  C: Have you ever felt that anyone in your family should cut down on their drinking?

·  A: Has anyone in your family felt annoyed by complaints about their drinking?

·  G: Has anyone in your family ever felt bad or guilty about their drinking?

·  E: Eye Opener: Has anyone in your family ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover?

A positive answer to one or more of these questions should be followed by a more thorough diagnostic assessment.

It is easy to see the effects alcoholism has on the alcoholic but not so easy to recognize the effect it has on family and friends of the alcoholic. Think about how you would answer the following questions:

·  Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking?

·  Are plans frequently upset or canceled or meals delayed because of the drinker?

·  Do you make threats such as, "If you don't stop drinking, I'll leave you"?

·  Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker?

·  Have you refused social invitations out of fear of anxiety?

·  Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?

These are just a sampling of the questions that point to the issues shared by people who have been affected by someone else's drinking. For a complete list of the questions, refer to Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2009 and Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2010. Both of these booklets are available for download and purchase on the Al-Anon website: www.al-anon.alateen.org. The booklets are filled with personal stories from Al-Anon members. Therapists and other professionals also share their perspectives.

Currently, Al-Anon and Alateen meetings held locally include:

·  Monday - 7:30 P.M. - Fleming House

7300 Rose Drive, Lisbon

·  Wednesday - 7:30 P.M. - Episcopal Church of Our Savior

870 E. State Street (Back Door)

Salem

For additional information about other meeting locations, call the Youngstown office at 1-330-270-9441. You may also contact the MHRS Board at 330-424-0195, or visit our website: www.ccmhrsb.org.