Erin grew up with a single mum and with a sister who was destined to become an alcoholic. She struggled academically at school but was good socially, excelling at sport and art and having fun. Erin started binge eating sugar at 10 years old and drinking at 15 to fill the emotional hole inside. After a long geographical overseas she returned to find her sister had been in Alcoholics Anonymous for 10 years and recommended that Erin go to Al-Anon Family Groups. Al-Anon changed her life, she stopped blaming others for her situation and started to take control of her life choices.

Maria's migrant family was quite different, and her dad was very strict, controlling and physically violent. She was a timid kid who was good academically and just wanted to fit in. maria was volatile in relationships and spent years as a single mum until her kids left home, then met a recovering alcoholic who recommended she go to Al-Anon Family Groups.  Like Erin, Al-Anon changed her life too, helped her to overcome anxiety and fear and she started living again.

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 al-anon.org.au.