Al-Anon is a support group for family and friends. Check with your local AA chapter for further information. It has a pattern of identifiable symptoms which will gradually get worse and will lead to an early death unless treated. Alcoholism is thought of as a family disease because it affects everyone in the family. Treatment centers often request that the family participate in counseling to help themselves and provide support for their recovering family member.
Treatment is only a beginning.
Recovery is a lifelong process characterized by periods of growth and sometimes relapse. It is not a sign of failure on the part of the client or counselor if relapse occurs. It is not unusual for people to require treatment more than once in their lifetime. If alcohol and drugs have been your tour guide, maybe it is time for a change. All rights reserved.