TALK TO ME AND I WILL LISTEN

For those of you who are wondering, "WHAT IS AL-ANON?" Let me say, simply, it is where you may find some of that "Serenity" and "Peace of mind" you have been looking for. Gone is that feeling of being "alone", with more problems than the rest of the entire world!

If you enter our meeting room with an open heart and an open mind, - rest assured you will leave with a little renewed faith and a spark of hope that can be fanned into the flame of wisdom, acceptance, courage and strength, even if you spouse is still "practicing". A smile to greet you - a hand extended: for we, too, have "walked that walk." Yes, we are sick also, not only the alcoholic. As the saying goes, "it takes two to tango," can you honestly look into the mirror and say to yourself, "There is nothing wrong with me", there are not problems that can't be solved,

"If only" he or she were sober - if only all the money wasn't being spent on booze. There are those among us who can testify that sobriety alone is not the complete answer. There are approximatelfy nine people affected by the disease of alcoholism, per alcoholic. You, as mate or spouse, are probably the most seriously affected. As the alcoholic slides to the bottom of the bottle, so do we.

Mentally we too are sick, or we wouldn't yell and scream, nag, pour the alcohol down the sink, hide the keys to the car, and otherwise, negatively react. Spiritually, we are sick, too, or we wouldn't be saying, "What did I do to deserve this", and "Why has God deserted me?"

Physically, we are also sick - otherwise we wouldn't be suffering from such maladies as migranes, ulcers and constant backaches: nor would we be popping tranquilizers into our mouths at regular interals.

Consider, for a moment, how beautiful it would be to really laugh again: to be able to share your heavy burden with a true friend - to be concerned about your appearance again - in other words, to really enjoy living and feeling human again. Remember, we are human beings and we have a right to human dignity. We also have a right to live each day with a little happiness, some serenity and a smile. So - "come on!" - Do your "Own thing!"

Come join us in Al-Anon, Check your local phone book for the nearest meeting. YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID.

Joy Noseworthy, Donwood Al-Anon

DON says: This is a very successful and wonderful organization, based on the same principles of A.A. I have personally seen many success stories where women have had the help to cope with the spouse with an alcohol problem. There is a buddy system there that supports the gal facing the awful dilemma of alcohol addiction concerning the spouse. YOU ARE NO LONGER ALONE. This article was written many years ago by Ms. Noseworthy, but the situation remains the same in the treatment of this dreadful disease.