Dear Friend:

You are often among the first in the community to learn that a problem in the family may be the result of someone's drinking. Alcoholism is not simply an issue of excessive drinking; it is a disease, which affects the drinker as well as his or her family, friends and co-workers, spiritually, mentally and physically.

Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen for the younger members, is an established community resource for people who have been affected by another's use of alcohol. Al-Anon consists of nonprofessional mutual support groups in which the identity of all members is protected.

Al-Anon is a spiritual program of recovery, which is compatible with all religious beliefs and practices.

The Al-Anon/Alateen program can aid the recovery process for the entire family through hope, comfort, and loving interchange among members having a common problem. When someone turns to you for help and an alcohol related problem is identified, please suggest that they attend Al-Anon and/or Alateen meetings. Al-Anon can help you, help them.

Al-Anon can provide meetings for Institutions, Al-Anon/Alateen speakers for seminars or workshops, information booths for health fairs, or materials for professionals who might have patients or clients who have been affected by the family disease of alcoholism. Please call 414-257-2415 or e-mail Al-Anon at alanon@alanon-wi.org for more information.

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