Carol grew up with an alcoholic dad and her two brothers and sister went on to become alcoholics. She became aware of the effects of alcoholism in her teens and suffered low self-esteem and was withdrawn from a very early age. Carol was married to a gambler for over 25 years, and then fell into a relationship with an alcoholic that turned violent. She went to Al-Anon Family Groups to get her partner to stop drinking and realized how much her dad’s drinking had affected her. Carol now has better personal relationships and has more confidence in living.

Shirley grew up in a pretty normal home but her unhappy marriage ended in divorce with her as the single parent of four children. Her daughter was fine but the three boys all drank, with the two youngest causing more problems in their early teens.  Shirley found it hard trying to keep their behaviour a secret and eventually went to Families Anonymous before finding Al-Anon. She found help to be able to say No to her boys and to develop a good relationship with them based on love and mutual respect.

If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at www.al-anon.org.au.