About Alcoholism

The American Medical Association recognizes alcoholism as a disease.

• Alcoholism may develop in men, women, or children in any occupation, educational level, social and economic condition, age, religion, race, and nationality. Good people and good families feel the effects of alcoholism upon their lives.
• No one chooses to be an alcoholic and the disease is not caused by the drinker, parents, spouse, friends, or children. It often runs in families and is typically denied, covered up, and excused by all involved.
• There can be recovery for both the alcoholic and family/friends from the disease. A family member/friend does not need to wait for a loved one to admit that there is (or has been) a drinking problem to seek help.

In Al-Anon, we do not label a person as an alcoholic. We focus on our own recovery and how our lives have been affected (in the past or the present) when relationships, friendships, employment, childhood, and parenthood begin to deteriorate.

We may notice symptoms in the problem drinker of:

• Failure when attempting to be like others and manage social drinking
• Impaired outlook on life, relationships, and performance (home, job, play, school)
• Inability to stop or control drinking
• Dependence on alcohol as a crutch, escape, and means to reduce emotional pain
• Changes in personality when drinking and afterwards
• Withdrawal symptoms after drinking
• Not remembering what happened (blackouts)
• Denial and anger when it is suggested that drinking may be a problem
• Increasing attempts to blame and shame others and avoidance of accepting responsibility for consequences resulting from drinking
• Increasing attempts to deny the use of alcohol and lying about amounts used
• A continuing, growing problem in life functioning (family, emotions, work, school, relationships, health, managing money), though many with the disease still appear to function fairly well

Alcoholism is not a hopeless disease. There are many successful programs for treating alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is well known and highly regarded for those who want to stop drinking. You may want to learn more about alcoholism from other persons who have found recovery in Al-Anon, AA, and from other community resources, including those on the Internet.

In Al-Anon we try to learn to give understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. We do not endorse nor oppose the opinions, therapies, and techniques of any other group. We practice the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves.

Call on Us

You can talk with an Al-Anon member about your concerns, and learn more about Al-Anon and how it has helped. We can also provide appropriate Al-Anon literature. Here's how to call on us. Your e-mail or call will be kept private and confidential.