"Canon/Johann Pachebel" "Canon/Johann Pachebel"
Help and Hope
Welcome to Al-Anon
When we come to Al-Anon, we are greeted by others whose lives have taken turns similar to ours. As the meeting begins, we hear the following words of welcome and somehow sense that these words Are spoken from the heart.
Suggested Al-Anon Welcome:
We welcome you to the Al-Anon Family Groups and hope you find in this fellowship the help and friendship we have been privileged to enjoy. We who live with the problem of alcoholism understand as perhaps few others can. We, too, were lonely and frustrated, but in Al-Anon we discover that no situation is really hopeless, and that it is possible for us to find contentment and even happiness, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.
We urge you to try our program. It has helped many of us find solutions that lead to serenity. So much depends on our own attitudes, and as we learn to place our problems in its true perspective, we find that it loses its power to dominate our thoughts and our lives.
The family situation is bound to improve as we apply the Al-Anon ideas. Without such spiritual help, living with an alcoholic is too much for most of us. Our thinking becomes distorted by trying to force solutions, and we become irritable and unreasonable without knowing it.
The Al-Anon program is based on the Twelve Steps (adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous) which we try, little by little, one day at a time, to apply to our lives along with our slogans and the Serenity Prayer. The loving interchange of help among members and daily readings of Al-Anon literature thus make us ready to receive the priceless gift of serenity.
Al-Anon is a anonymous fellowship. Everything that is said here, in the group meetings and member to member, must be held in confidence. Only in this way can we feel free to say what is in our minds and hearts, for this is how we help one another in Al-Anon.
Obstacles To Success In Al-Anon
All Al-Anon discussions should be constructive, helpful, loving and understanding. In striving toward these ideals. we avoid topics that can lead to dissension and distract us from our goals.
1. Discussions of Religion: Al-Anon is not allied with any sect or denomination. It is a spiritual program, based on no particular form of religion. Everyone is welcome, no matter of what affiliation or none. Let us not defeat our purpose by entering into discussions concerning specific religious tenets.
2. Gossip: We meet to help ourselves and others to learn and use the Al-Anon philosophy. In such group therapy, gossip can have no part in program. We do not discuss members of others, and particularly the alcoholic; our dedication to anonymity gives people confidence in Al-Anon. Careless repeating of matters heard at meetings can defeat the very purpose for which we are joined together.
3. Dominance: Our leaders are chosen not to govern, but to serve. No member of Al-Anon should direct, assume authority or give advice. Our program is based on suggestion, interchange of experience, rotation of leadership. Each person makes progress in his or her own way and pace. Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony.
Al-Anon and what it means to Relatives and Friends of Alcoholics
While most of us know that alcoholism is a disease, too few recognize it as a "family disease" which may affect three or four people in each home emotionally, spiritually and often physically.
Al-Anon gives us the assurance that no situation it to difficult and no unhappiness to great to be overcome. With the understanding that alcoholism is a disease, and with the realization that we are powerless over it, as well as over other people, we are ready to do something useful and constructive with our own lives. Only then can we be of help to others.
Without spiritual help, living with a problem drinker is too much for most of us. We become nervous, irritable, and resentful. Our thinking becomes distorted. A change in our attitude may give us boundless help and is often the force for good that finally inspires an alcoholic to seek help.
The program, which is also a spiritual way of life is based on the suggested Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Study of this program and its Twelve Steps will strengthen you for the solving of many difficult problems.
Do's and Don'ts
DO:
Forgive
Be honest with yourself
Be humble
Take it easy--tension is harmful
Play--find recreation and hobbies
Keep on trying whenever you fail
Learn the facts about alcoholism
Attend Al-Anon meetings often
Pray
DON'T:
Be self-righteous
Try to dominate, nag, scold and complain
Lose your temper
Try to push anyone but yourself
Keep bringing up the past
Keep checking up on the alcoholic
Wallow in self-pity
Make threats you don't intend to carry out
Be over-protective
Be a doormat
From Al-Anon booklet "Alcoholism The Family Disease" (P-4)
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