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The
Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives
and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope
in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family
illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon
is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization
or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor
opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting
through its own voluntary contributions. |
Al-Anon
has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics.
We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort
to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement
to the alcoholic. |
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DETACHMENT
Alcoholism
is a family disease. Living with the effects of someone else's drinking
is too devastating for most people to bear without help.
In
Al-Anon, we learn individuals are not responsible for another person's
disease or recovery from it.
We
let go of our obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead happier
and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights; lives guided
by a Power greater than ourselves.
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IN AL-ANON WE LEARN. . .
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Not
to suffer because of the actions or reactions of other people; |
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Not to allow
ourselves to be used or abused by others in the interest of another's
recovery; |
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Not to do for
others what they could do for themselves; |
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Not to manipulate
situations so others will eat, go to bed, get up,
pay bills, not drink; |
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Not to cover
up for anyone's mistakes or misdeeds; |
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Not to create
a crisis; |
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Not to prevent
a crisis if it is in the natural course of events. |
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Detachment
is neither kind nor unkind. It does not imply judgment or condemnation
of the person or situation from which we are detaching. It is simply a
means that allows us to separate ourselves from the adverse effects that
another person's alcoholism can have upon our lives. Detachment helps
families look at their situations realistically and objectively, thereby
making intelligent decisions possible.
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| AL-ANON
IS. . .
a
worldwide organization that offers a self-help recovery program for the
families and friends of alcoholics whether or not the alcoholic seeks
help or even recognizes the existence of a drinking problem. Members give
and receive comfort and understanding through a mutual exchange of experiences,
strength and hope. Sharing of similar problems binds individuals and groups
together in a bond that is protected by a policy of anonymity.
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| AL-ANON
IS NOT. . .
a religious organization
or a counseling agency. It is not a treatment center nor is it allied
with any other organization offering such services. Al-Anon Family Groups,
which includes Alateen for teenage members, neither express opinions on
outside issues nor endorse outside enterprises. No dues or fees are required.
Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one's own life has been adversely
affected by someone else's drinking problem.
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Copyright
© Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Pamphlet S-19
"Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.,æ
Virginia Beach, VA."
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