Group seeks to support loved ones of alcoholics

FAMILY members and friends affected by the alcoholism of another person in their life are invited to seek support at local meetings.
The non-denominational and confidential Al-Anon Family Group runs twice a week at St Peters Church Hall.
“It’s a general discussion group,” said group representative Janine. “What you hear here, what you see here, what you say here, remains in the room.
“We have a set agenda with our meetings, reading through the 12 steps and traditions, and read conference approved literature.
“It’s a gentle program, and people are not to crosstalk over anyone else. Everybody is listened to, there is no advice given, no judgement, and no pressure.
“We ask newcomers to try six meetings, and to keep coming back. As people come back and keep sharing, they often form relationships and can call one another for support.”
Janine has been attending for more than two years and said she has noticed a sense of fellowship develop amongst attendees who relate to one another.
“You hear stories and they’re your story,” she said. “It’s just told in a different way.”
For Janine, alcoholism has been the “family disease.”
Five years ago, her husband who was also an alcoholic, died.
“Because of the shame, you go into denial, you go into yourself, you feel guilt,” she said.
“My sister said I should give Al-Anon meetings a go, and it changed my life.
“Some come for relief, I came for recovery. Slowly it’s unravelled a tight knot.”
The meetings run at 1pm on Tuesdays and 5pm on Thursdays for a maximum of 90 minutes, with tea and coffee provided.
They include non-denominational spiritual principles, and people more broadly impacted by another person’s addiction, separate from alcohol, are also welcome.
Newcomers receive a pack with information, and attendees are given readers and books relating to alcoholism.
Al-Anon Family Group is a not-for-profit, and on any day of the week, people can tune into a meeting online.
“Any meeting you go to anywhere in the world runs with the same format,” Janine said.
St Peters Church Hall is on Leviathan Place. Visit al-anon.org.au for more information.