Alcoholism
like any other addiction is a vicious disease where it affects not only
the drinker but the family & loved ones around them changing their
lives for years or even for generations if no help reaches them. Still,
it being a taboo subject, people hesitate to reach out , talk about it
or even admit there is a problem. In the recent months
more articles have been published in Oman's leading news papers on
front pages bringing to people's notice that Alcoholism or compulsive drinking
problems do exist in this region. Even the government / ministry
officials have expressed the need to focus on the issue & make help
available to the family so that they can get assistance to recovery, 'AA' (Alcoholics Anonymous ) is the group where
the "problem drinker" can seek help for themselves all across the
world. But what about family members, friends or loved ones who have
been living with the effects of alcoholism??
This is where ' Al-Anon family support group' or simply put 'Al-Anon' comes in to offer help in a standard & appropriate format all across the world in several countries and cities. Al-Anon is a "worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help. This
is the place where members seeking help or family / friend of the
drinker meet 'anonymously' without feeling judged or ashamed and learn
how to get the required self-help following Twelve-step program
& Al-anon literature. And now
such a Al-anon family support group is initiated in more organised
manner in Muscat, Oman as well. where can they reach out and look
for strength, help & guidance for themselves as they need to get
themselves a positive help & with the proper understanding on how
they can improve their family situation, no matter how difficult it
seems to them at a given time.
The following are few questions may help you to decide whether Al-Anon is for you:
- Do you have a parent, close friend or relative whose drinking upsets you or has been affecting your family dynamics?
- Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking or for what’s happening in your home?
- Does it seem like every holiday/ family occasion is spoiled because of someone's drinking?
- Do you cover up your real feelings by pretending you don’t care? Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
- Do you believe no one could possibly understand how you feel? Do you have money problems because of some else’s drinking?
Many
who come to Al-Anon are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe
that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but
nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon
because we want and need help. In Al-Anon members share their own
experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who
share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We
come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether
the alcoholic is still drinking or not. The
Al-anon groups are self-supporting , self-help groups which are based
on 'TWELVE STEP PROGRAM', there are no fees or dues to attend the group
meetings as its free. The focus is on helping ourselves and each other
through studying about twelve steps, reading through globally available
al-anon literature/ books in the meetings. Its a independent, non-
profit, no-revenue generating support group which is non- religious or
non- political . We need to carry message of hope in the community, by Informing people of the existence and availability of Al-Anon as a resource for families of alcoholics.
For
more information about Al-Anon Family groups in Muscat & to reach
out for meetings/ help one can log on to the website for Oman at www.al-anonoman.org or one can call/text the helpline number mentioned on the website,
~ Written in public service by Anonymous members of Al-Anon Family group Muscat.
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