Al-Anon Family Groups Can Put Gratitude Back Into Thanksgiving For The Family Of A Problem Drinker

Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for families that are affected by a parent or child who has a drinking problem. The holiday season often begins with invitations for get-togethers with family and friends. But for Sam Taylor (not his real name), it became the season of made-up excuses for turning down invitations he wished that he could accept.

“Al-Anon Family Groups have given me back a cheerful appreciation for the holidays,” said Mr Taylor. “Thanksgiving was always a happy time in my family growing up. While we pitched in to get our house and yard ready for company, my folks told stories about grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins we hadn’t seen in years. They reminded us that we were part of a family that was larger than the number of people who lived in our house.”

When his wife lost the ability to shop, organize, cook, and socialize effectively because she had to have a drink constantly in her hand, the Taylor family began to withdraw from holiday celebrations. As a result, they also began to lose their sense of an extended family.

“It was hard on my wife, too,” Mr Taylor said. “She was the one who stopped welcoming people into our house because they interfered with her drinking. I was the one who turned down invitations to visit other people’s homes. There were too many embarrassing scenes, and I didn’t feel right about going somewhere and not reciprocating.

“When my wife decided to quit drinking, a counselor encouraged our whole family to recover,” Mr Taylor explained. “He called it a family illness that needed family recovery. Al-Anon Family Groups is where he sent me and our kids.

“Alateen is a part of Al-Anon for young people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Little by little, Al-Anon groups have put the gratitude back into our Thanksgiving celebrations. I am glad that my wife is also recovering in her own program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

“I am grateful this year for all of the Al-Anon Family Groups that welcome families like mine during the holidays,” added Mr Taylor.

A Newtown-based Al-Anon group meets each Tuesday at 38 Church Hill Road. Guests should use the building’s rear entrance to access the second floor. A beginners group meets from 7 to 8 pm, and an open meeting follows from 8 to 9:30. (See the Newtown Support Groups column in this issue of The Bee for a list of local AA meetings.)

To find help from additional Connecticut-based Al-Anon Family Groups, visit the state Al-Anon website, CT-al-anon.org, or call 860-244-0022. To find an Al-Anon Family Group meeting throughout the United States and Canada, call 888-4AL-ANON (800-426-2666) during business hours ET or visit Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org.