GET HELP
Friends and Family Members of Alcoholics
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
“The alcoholic is a sick person suffering from a disease for which there is no known cure – that is, no cure in the sense that he or she will ever be able to drink moderately, like a nonalcoholic, for any sustained period. Because it is an illness – a physical compulsion combined with a mental obsession to drink – the alcoholic must learn to stay away from alcohol completely in order to live a normal life.”*
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Millions of alcoholics have attained sobriety in A.A., and knowing that, “you may be impatient to ‘do something’ for the alcoholic in your life. You may want to explain that alcoholism is an illness and urge the alcoholic to read A.A. literature and head straight for the nearest A.A. meeting. Sometimes this approach works …. But, in fact, most alcoholics are not eager and ready to turn to A.A. just because a loved one suggests it.”
“You can develop a good and, if possible, firsthand knowledge of the A.A. program, so that when the alcoholic is ready, you will be in a good position to help.”*
For many family members and friends of A.A. members and of alcoholics who may need A.A., meeting others who understand their problems and challenges, can be helpful. We encourage you to contact Oregon Al-Anon Family Groups. Al-Anon seeks to help people who are impacted by their loved ones’ alcoholism. Oregon Al-Anon also has a fellowship, Alateen, for young people whose parents are alcoholics. You can find Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups of Oregon online at https://www.oregonal-anon.org/
You can also attend an open A.A. meeting. A.A. meetings are designated as either “open” or “closed.” Every meeting will have either an “O” for open or a “C” for closed next to it in the meeting listing. Anyone may attend an open meeting, whether or not he or she identifies as an alcoholic. We encourage anyone who wishes to learn more about A.A. to attend an open meeting. Closed meetings are limited to people with a desire to stop drinking. If you have a desire to stop drinking, you are welcome at any closed meeting of A.A.
- Go here to search for an “Open” meeting on our local A.A. Meeting schedule.
- Call our local A.A. office to learn more: (541) 732-1850
- Visit our local A.A. office to learn more: 116 E. 6th Street, Medford, Oregon 97501
- Email our local A.A. office to learn more
- Go here to AA.org to learn more