Dear Friend,

As a member of the helping profession, you may come into contact with individuals who have complex problems and needs. It is possible many may be suffering from the disease of alcoholism - someone else's alcoholism. Family members, regardless of their age, usually blame themselves for the turmoil in their lives, often making excuses for problems, while unaware of how the disease affects them. The fact is alcoholism affects family members from generation to generation unless the pattern is interrupted.

If you know or suspect that a problem drinker is affecting your client, we urge you to recommend Al-Anon or Alateen as part of your treatment plan. Al-Anon, a mutual support fellowship where members share their experience, strength, and hope, offers a program of recovery for the relatives and friends of alcoholics. Alateen is for teenagers affected by someone else's drinking. Meetings are held at no cost in your locality and no appointments are necessary.

If you wish further information please contact Al-Anon Family Groups of Southeast Wisconsin at alanon@alanon-wi.org or 414-257-2415.

Reprinted with Permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc, Virginia Beach, VA