There has been a lot of publicity recently about the problem of alcoholism.

For every problem drinker it is estimated at least five other people are adversely affected. Living with an alcoholic becomes too difficult for many people to bear, and many struggle to find help with their despair.

Anyone whose life is or has been affected by the excess drinking of someone close to them can find help within the Al-Anon family groups.

Although AA is well known, Al-Anon is less so, but helps many people to cope with difficulties and find a more serene approach to life. We share our own experience, strength and hope in confidential meetings, which offer non-judgmental support to people who desperately need it.

We learn to understand some of the problems of the alcoholic. We learn to detach from the alcoholic’s problems with compassion, and to concentrate on restoring ourselves to peace of mind.

Al-Anon grew out of Alcoholics Anonymous when family members realised that they too needed help, and it is now a worldwide organisation of self-help groups.

There are no dues to pay – members are invited to make a voluntary contribution. Details of local groups can be obtained from the Al-Anon helpline which is 020 7403 0888.

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