Al-Anon offers help for those affected by a loved one’s addiction

By Patrick Lynn

If your life has been affected by someone’s drinking or addiction, help is available.

Al-Anon is a nationwide mutual support group for individuals who have family members or friends with alcohol or substance addictions. The meetings are free, voluntary, and anonymous, hence the “anon” part of its title. It has a sister organization called Alateen, a program designed especially for teenagers. Both programs are an offshoot of Alcoholics Anonymous.

By sharing common experiences, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the addict in their lives admits to having a drinking problem or seeks help.

“We focus on solution-based principles, research-based practices like mindfulness and meditation, loving boundaries, and compassion for self and others,” said Heather D., who helps run the Serenity Seekers. “We believe addiction is a family disease, and support and healthy coping skills are needed whether the addict or alcoholic is actively using or not.”

The only requirement for attending a meeting is that your life has been affected by someone’s drinking or addiction, she added.

The local Al-Anon group, called Serenity Seekers, meets at 9 a.m. every Saturday. While the group is not affiliated with any religion, the group meets at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1410 Rogers St. in Stevens Point. Attendees should enter through the Trinity Learning Center/Preschool entrance on the building’s west side, and follow the signs.

No registration is necessary and there are no membership fees. Because each group is operated by volunteers, donations are accepted.

Anyone interested can join the Facebook group “Stevens Point Alanon” or go to www.area61afg.org.