Anne was an overactive kid and would have been classified as ADHD these days. She struggled at school but went on to become a teacher. Anne married early and realized that her husband had a drinking problem as she started a family. As her husband worked less Anne worked more and the inevitable fights over money and family became worse. First a doctor recommended Al-Anon Family Groups and then six years later a counsellor convinced Anne to try it for herself. On the second try she accepted that she couldn’t beat the bottle, became much calmer, was able to relax and get her life into perspective and is still a member after 30 years.

Bethy had a very difficult childhood, coming from a broken home and living with her grandparents for some time. Eventually moving back with her mother Bethy found it hard to cope and moved out of home in her mid-teens and went on to a career in nursing. She twice married an alcoholic, firstly a violent drunk and left with her 5-year old daughter and then met prince charming, who also happened to be an alcoholic and stuck it out for ages before also leaving.  It wasn’t until her daughter suffered drug and alcohol problems that she hit rock-bottom and sought help and was directed to Al-Anon. It saved her life and after 3 years she also realized that her ex-husbands were alcoholic.

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.