1. What is alcoholism?
It is a threefold disease affecting the body, the mind and the spirit. One of the symptoms is an uncontrollable desire for alcohol.

2. How can the family help an alcoholic?
By adopting the Al-Anon program we can stop trying to reform the alcoholic, whom we cannot change, and turn our attention to ourselves, whom we CAN change.

3. What is Al-Anon?
Al-Anon is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics, who try to solve their common problems by sharing experiences and increasing their knowledge and understanding of themselves and the alcoholic.

4. What can we do to help an alcoholic stop drinking?
By changing our own attitudes we provide a healthier environment for the whole family, including the alcoholic. This may allow the alcoholic to see the problem and pave the way to Alcoholics Anonymous.

5. How can we change our attitudes?
a. By following the Al-Anon program, it’s Steps, Traditions, slogans and prayers.
b. By attempting to understand the disease of alcoholism and it’s effects on us.
c. By attending Al-Anon meetings regularly.

6. Should we serve alcohol at home?
This is an individual matter. It depends on the alcoholic’s reaction. It may seem advisable not to at the beginning of sobriety.

7. Should we accept invitations to gatherings where alcohol is served?
We should let the alcoholic decide whether or not to accept such invitations just as we make such decisions for ourselves.

8. Should we stop drinking?
If it makes any difference to the alcoholic it might be advisable, but this is our personal decision.

9. Is there a time when we can talk to the alcoholic about the drinking or any other serious problem?
This, in most cases, must be “played by ear.” Many have found the alcoholic to be more accessible after a heavy drinking bout. We ourselves try to be calm and detached whenever any problems are discussed.

10. Should we coddle the alcoholic?
No. Experience has shown that the more attention paid, the less the alcoholic does, and so the drinking continues.

11. Will our troubles be over when the alcoholic stops drinking?
Don’t expect too much too soon. Progress from illness to health takes a long time, and not all problems are caused by alcoholism.

12. Will we need Al-Anon after the alcoholic has stopped drinking?
Yes. The adjustment to sobriety can be aided by our continuing focus on ourselves and growing in Al-Anon.

13. Are we sick, too?
It is well to remember that we are suffering from the effects of another person’s alcoholism.

14. What responsibilities can an alcoholic take?
Few, unless the alcoholic has stopped drinking. Some alcoholics can assume responsibilities more quickly than others; the abilities of an alcoholic who has achieved sobriety may be limitless.

15. How can we help after the alcoholic stops drinking?
By being loving and understanding and recovering from the effects of alcoholism, the family disease, ourselves.

16. What is a “dry drunk”?
When alcoholics, who have not been drinking, get into a state of mind or display behavior ordinarily associated with alcohol, they are said to be having a “dry drunk.” It often occurs at the beginning of sobriety and is not unusual later.

17. Do we, in Al-Anon have slips?
Yes. Habits are hard to break, and sometimes we slip back into old ways of thinking and acting. Keeping in touch with Al-Anon by means of the telephone, Al-Anon literature, a sponsor, or attending meetings helps lessen our slips.

18. How can we keep the alcoholic away from drinking companions?
We can’t

19. How do we keep from getting discouraged?
a. Through faith in God and the Al-Anon program.
b. Through keeping busy and helping others.
c. Through prayer and meditation.

20. How can we achieve serenity?
a. By keeping an open mind at meetings, thereby gaining knowledge and strength from the group.
b. By adopting only what is most suitable to us personally, from the Twelve Steps, the Serenity Prayer, and the slogans.
c. By learning to let go and let God; by emotionally detaching ourselves from the alcoholic with love in our hearts and with trust in God.

21. How can I help my children?
a. By becoming an active member of Al-Anon.
b. By encouraging teenagers to attend Alateen meetings and older children to attend Al-Anon.
c. By reading Al-Anon and Alateen literature to learn how the whole family has been affected.

From Al-Anon booklet “Alcoholism The Family Disease” (p-4)

If you identify with some of these statements, it is important to know that help and hope for friends and families of alcoholics is just a phone call away.
Al-Anon