Aileen eventually found out that her maternal grandfather had a drinking problem and that was why her mother didn’t like alcohol in the family home. A free spirit, she met a drinker at university and eventually married him and had two children. What Aileen didn’t realize was the extent to which the psychological trauma of an alcoholic marriage had affected her. After her husband found Alcoholics Anonymous she eventually discovered Al-Anon Family Groups and realized the part she played in the family disease of alcoholism.

Kylie grew up with an alcoholic father and so did her partner. Her mum had been in Al-Anon when she was younger but Kylie also found that Al-Anon could help her live with the effects of an alcoholic childhood.

Even though the drinker caused problems, both Aileen and Kylie saw that their reactions often exacerbated the situation and Al-Anon helped them to realize that they could play a bigger part in ensuring their own happiness.

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.