You don’t have to drink to suffer from alcoholism

Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire is a charity that is there for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.

It provides meetings in all major towns, including Ipswich, and is committed to being there for friends and family of alcoholics when they need help. Whatever their relationship with the drinker, they will find other people who have similar stories to tell. They will realise that they are not alone. Listening to the shared experiences of others may help them find the confidence they need to deal with the effects of someone else’s drinking. They will find it is possible to rediscover happiness, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. Members’ anonymity is protected because first names only are used. They will not be asked for any other details about themselves or the drinker. Anything discussed within an Al-Anon meeting is treated as confidential, including their presence at the meeting.

Al-Anon meetings are free. Al-Anon only accepts donations from members towards running costs and buying literature so that it can be self-supporting. Members only give what they can afford.

Al-Anon is not a religious organisation and welcomes those of all faiths and of none, treating everyone as equals. Al-Anon discourages discussion about religion, politics and other outside topics.

The best way to find out what Al-Anon is all about and how it can help is to attend a meeting, where there will be a warm welcome. Visit www.al-anonuk. org.uk/find-a-meeting/or call the Helpline: 0800 0086 811 available every day of the year from 10am to 10pm. Al-Anon’s experienced, friendly helpline volunteers are there to listen, tell callers about Al-Anon and give meeting details. Visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk for information to read or download, including podcasts.