Amis/Amigos de Bill W. & Dr Bob's friends

This video was created for Northern Illinois Al-Anon Family Groups to help those who have grown up with alcoholism and the helping professional community understand the effects of alcoholism on families and a way to find help. It contains sharings from individuals who have experienced the effects of alcoholism and school counselors who have witnessed the effects on children within their schools.
For more information in Illinois, visit www.niafg.org
Outside of Illinois, visit www.al-anon.alateen.org
"Alcoholism is a family disease. Every alcoholic affects at least four other people, including children, siblings, parents, spouses, partners, friends, and coworkers. Many people who were exposed to alcoholism in childhood find difficulties with relationships in their adult life. There are often problems with handling fear, anger, guilt, shame, and self-esteem issues.
If you grew up affected by someone else's drinking, Al-Anon is a safe place to bring your concerns, your questions, and your desire to lead a better life. Whatever your problems, there are those in Al-Anon who have had them too. Together, we learn to face the past, to let go of it, and to lead happy, productive lives in the present."
Reprinted from "Al-Anon Is for Adult Children of Alcoholics" Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA.

A wife, father, husband, and daughter describe what it is like to love someone who has a  drinking problem. The wife says, "I didn't live in reality at all. I covered up and made believe." The father says, "When the police came and told me the charges against my son, it was unbelievable. To see my son taken away in handcuffs was the most difficult day of my life." For more reasons to try Al-Anon, see Al-Anon Speaks for Itself Part 2 and try www.al-anon.org 

white plains, new york