Helping a friend, neighbor, or associate who may be affected by someone's drinking

Many like yourself want to help a friend, neighbor, or associate whose life seems to be affected by someone's drinking. They may have told you of problems and concerns. In addition, you are likely concerned by what you see personally, like their emotional pain, problem behavior and relationships, and/or physical appearance, or their becoming a "super" parent, student, or employee. Included are indications that the use of alcohol by a loved one may be a cause.

The Knoxville Area Districts Al-Anon (KADA), as part of the worldwide fellowship, cooperates with individuals who want to understand more about alcoholism and Al-Anon, and help friends, neighbors, and associates by making referrals to Al-Anon. KADA is a community resource made up entirely of members who volunteer their experience, strength, and hope.

No One Needs To Be Alone

You can reach out to a friend, associate, or neighbor who appears to be affected and troubled because of someone's drinking. This is much like reaching out to them when other illnesses or problems arise. However, because of the denial associated with alcohol problems, you can help break the silence and the cycle. There is help and hope.

What you can do

1. Browse our web site.

   You will learn:

   • About Al-Anon as a source of help for family members and friends.
   • What those affected by someone's drinking can do for themselves.
   • About alcoholism, the family disease.
   • About Al-Anon reading for recovery and pamphlets that can help you and the person you are concerned about.

   You can order Al-Anon literature from our site.

2. Reach out.

   Only you can decide what is right for yourself with any individual or situation. You are closer to the person, and know what is likely to be most effective with them, when, and how. You might consider inviting them to browse this site with you, or by themselves; giving them one or two Al-Anon pamphlets; inviting them to call KADA to talk directly with an Al-Anon member; sharing your concerns about what you observed or what they told you; and/or informing and encouraging them to use Al-Anon as a source of help.

3. Assist with finding an Al-Anon meeting.

   If your friend, neighbor, or associate is willing to try Al-Anon, you can help them find and attend an Al-Anon Family Group meeting. We encourage you to go to open Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings; you might do so with your friend.

4. Arrange community and organization meetings about Al-Anon.

   You might suggest that organizations you belong to have a program about alcoholism, the family, and Al-Anon, and invite your friend to go with you.

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.