Awareness of Alcohol Dependence or Misuse and Effects on the Family

David L. Nelson, M.D., D.Sc. writes in the Al‑Anon Faces Alcoholism magazine, “Attempting to manage, manipulate, or control the alcoholic leads to greater suffering and confusion.” He continues, “The results are anxiety, anger, depression, shame, guilt, low self‑esteem, and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.” The combination of professional guidance as well as the peer support in Al‑Anon helps clients to be aware and to accept that recovery is essential for the entire family. In a recent Al‑Anon Membership Survey, 42 percent of Al‑Anon members report improved outcomes of their treatment, counseling, or therapy as a result of their ongoing participation in Al‑Anon.

The information received in Al‑Anon and from professionals about the misuse of and the addiction to alcohol as well as its effects on the family is vital to initiate and sustain clients’ recovery.

Your clients can benefit from information about how Al‑Anon supports families affected by a loved one’s alcohol misuse or addiction to alcohol, by reading Al‑Anon Faces Alcoholism 2020.

Improved outcomes when receiving professional counseling, therapy, or treatment are reported by Al‑Anon members participating in Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.’s 2018 Membership Survey.

Al‑Anon is compatible with and compliments professional services because our program is comprised of mutual (peer‑to‑peer) exchanges of personal experiences.