Family Recovery Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. Alateen is a peer support group for teens struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Find an Al-Anon Meeting Electronic, telephone or in-person: al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/OR Yakima Area Al-Anon Meetings
"Drinking isolates most homes from the outside world. (The drinking spouse) may have laid aside for years all normal activities -- clubs, civic duties, sports. When (he/she) renews in such things, a feeling of jealousy may arise. The family may feel they hold a mortgage on (the drinker) so big that no equity should be left to outsiders. Instead of developing new channels of activity for themselves, (spouse) and children demand that (the drinker) stay home and make up the deficiency.
At the very beginning, the (partners) ought to frankly face the fact that each will have to yield here and there if the family is going to play an effective part in the new life. (The drinking partner) will necessarily spend much time with alcoholics, but this activity should be balanced. New acquaintances who know nothing of alcoholism might be made and thoughtful consideration given to their needs. The problems of the community might engage attention. Though the family has no religious connections, they may wish to make contact with or take membership in a religious body.
Alcoholics who have derided religious people will be helped by such contacts. Being possessed of a spiritual experience, the alcoholic will find that (he/she) has much in common with these people . . . We intend the foregoing as a helpful suggestion only. . . "