In the United States alone, more than 60 million people, ages 12 and older reported they actively participate in binge drinking according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Although there are many support groups, rehabilitation centers and programs for those struggling with alcohol abuse, one group, Al-Anon, stands in the gap for the families and friends of loved ones who struggle with alcohol.
“The Al-Anon Family Groups are the fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experiences, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid in recovery,” a representative of Al-Anon said. “Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics entity, organizations or institutions; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is a self-supporting through its voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose; to help families of alcoholics. We do this by participating in the twelve steps by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.”
According to Lyn (last name withheld for privacy reasons), one of the organizers of the local Al-Anon chapter, the group is expanding and adding an additional meeting location.
“We have District 7 which includes Mountain Home, but our meetings are in the Ash Flat area. We are adding a new meeting which will be in Highland,”Lyn Said. “Our current meetings are Thursday nights at 8 p.m. at the Ash Flat Church of Christ in the Crane House and on Monday nights. We are stating a new meeting location and date at Highland Assembly of God and that will begin May 6 at 6 p.m.”
Lyn said each meeting has something to offer to those who attend and Al-Anon is not the same as AA. She noted Al-Anon is for friends and families and helps those who attend to separate the disease from the person.
“The new meeting will be the 12 steps of Al-Anon and we will do one step each month. In 1934, AA was created, and it evolved in the 1950’s with Al-Anon. We are the families and friends of alcoholics and Alcoholism in the 1930’s is like methamphetamine and opioids are today. It is a root cause. If people would take a deep breath, they could look back and probably have a relative with the disease. The American Medical Association states alcoholism is a disease and that it is hereditary,” Lyn said.
The weekly meetings are open to everyone and there is no registration required.
“In my personal experience.. Al-Anon has given me a way of life. It renewed my relationship with God and I found out who God was. It was a soft way of God showing me that he loved me and helped me separate the disease from life and made the way,” Lyn said. “We have an opportunity to share what’s going on. It’s not about the alcoholic it’s about what the disease has done to us and how to get untangled from it.”
For more information, contact Lyn at 901-218-5038or attend an Al-Anon meeting at any of the three locations.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
