Sheridan and her husband were friends as children, went out together as teenagers and got married when Sheridan was 20 and her husband 21. Her husband had taken a pledge not to drink until he was 21 and kept it. But when he did begin to drink socially, it was problematic almost immediately and Sheridan soon became anxious, covering for him by taking on too much responsibility for the children and family business. Her anxiety progressed to despair as her husband's mental health deteriorated, and she too became mentally unwell. At rock bottom she found Al-Anon and eventually her husband found AA. Sheridan's husband credits Sheridan's recovery in Al-Anon for his own journey to sobriety.

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 for more information.

Show your support by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate

#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery

The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.