In Newly Released Interview, NIAAA Director Expresses Benefits of Al-Anon Participation for Friends and Families of Alcoholics

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Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

Jul 21, 2015, 03:00 ET


Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) July 21, 2015 -- Representing the leading funder of alcohol research in the world, Dr. Robert Huebner, NIAAA Director of Treatment and Recovery Research, said in a “First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery” podcast interview, “I think the general pattern of evidence suggests a real and genuine benefit to participation in Al-Anon meetings, and we believe at NIAAA that it represents a great option for family or friends of people with alcohol use disorders.”

“When looking at the benefits of Al-Anon for family members [of alcoholics], research on the potential therapeutic benefits of Al-Anon has shown that attending meetings is a good thing,” said Dr. Huebner. “It can bolster coping skills; reduce vulnerability to everyday stressors that we all face; it can also lead to reductions in family conflict, and increased satisfaction with relationships,” he said. “And, finally, it can increase self-esteem, which is always a challenging issue when living or being a part of a family system that has a person with alcohol use disorders.”

Walters said, “We hope this interview will help to reach those who suffer from the effects of a friend or family member’s drinking problems.” “In the face of desperation, it should be comforting for people to know there are options, and there is hope,” she said.

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 al-anon.org and read a copy of Al-Anon’s annual public outreach magazine “Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2015.” 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]