Al-Anon Members Experience Mixed Feelings About Valentine’s Day
Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) February 14, 2014 -- While couples in romantic relationships look forward to Valentine’s Day, partners who have been affected by a loved one’s alcoholism might not welcome the holiday at all. The glass of wine that used to bring them together could signal a disappointing change in their relationship.
“When the bottle of wine or other alcohol interferes with the relationship or becomes more important than the relationship, Al-Anon Family Groups can help,” according to Pamela Walters, Information Analyst for Al-Anon. “Wives, husbands, girlfriends, and boyfriends can find support and understanding from Al-Anon members who have experienced similar situations,” Walters said.
“Learning how to treat myself as special and loveable took a lot of pressure off my marriage,” Sarah N., an anonymous Al-Anon member said. Sarah said, “Once I could see my husband’s condition as an illness, instead of just his cruel way of treating me, I began to feel better about myself. I’m still not looking forward to Valentine’s Day, but at least I don’t have to take it personally.”
Anonymity is an important principle of the Al-Anon program. Anonymity and confidentiality in Al-Anon Family Groups make it possible for people to be open and honest about what is really happening in their relationships. Openness and honesty in Al-Anon can lead to personal recovery from the impacts of someone else’s drinking.
Al-Anon Family Groups are for families and friends who have been affected by the problem drinking of someone close to them. Nearly 16,000 local groups meet every week throughout the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico. Al-Anon Family Groups meet in more than 130 countries, and Al-Anon literature is available in more than 40 languages. Al-Anon Family Groups have been offering strength and support to families and friends of alcoholics since 1951. Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. acts as the clearinghouse worldwide for inquiries from those who need help or want information about Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen, its program for teenage members.
For more information about Al-Anon Family Groups, go to http://www.al-anon.alateen.org, or read a copy of "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2014." Find a local meeting by calling toll-free: 1-888-4AL-ANON.
Pamela Walters, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/, +1 (757) 563-1600 Ext: 1672, [email protected]
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