An Al-Anon Member Learns How to Keep a Drinking Crisis from Getting Worse

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Al-Anon Family Groups

I am so thankful for all the tools that Al-Anon has provided for me.

Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) July 31, 2014

Fireworks aren’t always in the sky during July. Fireworks can occur any day of the year in relationships with alcoholics. Al-Anon Information Analyst Pamela Walters said, “Sometimes people don’t realize they are holding a lighted fuse. When angry reactions to someone’s drinking are likely to blow up, it takes something special to stay calm. Before saying or doing something one may later regret, it helps to have support from people who have already experienced similar situations.”

An article in "The Forum" magazine from Al-Anon Family Groups features Gladys, an anonymous Al-Anon member, who said, “Twice this week, my spouse has come home drunk. Last night, around 10:30, I was standing in the driveway with my dog when a car came around the corner very fast. It was my husband. He flew into the driveway and into the garage, hitting the back wall and putting a big hole in it. I am grateful that he didn’t go through the wall.”

Gladys said, “I was so angry that I wanted to lash out and scream at him. Thankfully, Al-Anon kicked in and I remembered that I cannot talk or reason with someone who has had too much to drink. I shook my head and walked into the house. I sat in my bedroom and rehearsed all the words I would say to him in the morning—and they weren’t pretty. I was so angry that I had a very restless night.”

Gladys said, “In the morning, my punishing words went out the window and I concentrated on myself. I knew I needed to ‘Let Go and Let God’ in order to handle this situation. When my husband finally came downstairs, I told him that I cared about him, but he needed to get help. Then I found a meeting to attend. I am so thankful for all the tools that Al-Anon has provided for me.”

Al-Anon Family Groups are for families and friends who have been affected by a loved one’s drinking. Nearly 16,000 local groups meet throughout the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico every week. 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 problem drinkers 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 and read a copy of “Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2015.” Find a local meeting by calling toll-free: 1-888-4AL-ANON.

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