Detachment

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DETACHMENT

Alcoholism is a family disease. Living with the effects of someone else's
drinking is too devastating for most people to bear without help.
In Al-Anon, we learn individuals are not responsible for another person's
disease or recovery from it.
We let go of our obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead
happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights; lives
guided by a Power greater than ourselves.

IN AL-ANON WE LEARN:

Not to suffer because of the actions or reactions of other people;
Not to allow ourselves to be used or abused by others
in the interest of another's recovery;
Not to do for others what they could do for themselves;
Not to manipulate situations so others will eat, go to bed,
get up, pay bills, not drink;
Not to cover up for anyone's mistakes or misdeeds;
Not to create a crisis;
Not to prevent a crisis if it is in the natural course of events.
Detachment is neither kind nor unkind. It does not imply judgement or
condemnation of the person or situation from which we are detaching.
It is simply a means that allows us to separate ourselves from the adverse
effects that another person's alcoholism can have upon our lives.
Detachment helps families look at their situations realistically and
objectively,
thereby making intelligent decisions possible.

AL-ANON IS

A worldwide organization that offers a self-help recovery program for the
families and friends of alcoholics whether or not the alcoholic seeks help
or
even recognizes the existence of a drinking problem.
Members give and receive comfort and understanding through a mutual
exchange of experiences, strength and hope. Sharing of similar problems
binds individuals and groups together in a bond that is protected by a
policy
of anonymity.

AL-ANON IS NOT

A religious organization or a counseling agency. It is not a treatment
center
nor is it allied with any other organization offering such services. Al-Anon
Family Groups, which includes Alateen for teenage members, neither express
opinions on outside issues nor endorse outside enterprises. No dues or fees
are required. Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one's own life
has
been adversely affected by someone else's drinking problem.

Copyright © Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
Pamphlet S-19 - Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Groups, Inc.
For information and catalog of literature contact:
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
1600 Corporate Landing Parkway
Virginia Beach VA 23454-5657
1.888.425.2666 (Canada and USA)

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/