Is Al-Anon for you?*
Millions of people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close. The following twenty questions are designed to help you decide whether or not you need Al-Anon.
Answer either yes or no to each of the following questions:
- Do you worry about how much someone else drinks?
- Do you have money problems because of someone else's drinking?
- Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking?
- Do you feel that drinking is more important to your loved one than you are?
- Do you think that the drinker's behaviour is caused by his or her companions?
- Are meal times frequently delayed because of the drinker?
- Do you make threats, such as "If you don't stop drinking, I'll leave you"?
- When you kiss the drinker hello, do you secretly try to smell his or her breath?
- Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
- Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker's behaviour?
- Does it seem as if every holiday is spoiled because of someone's drinking?
- Have you considered calling the police because of drinking behaviour?
- Do you find yourself searching for hidden liquor?
- Do you feel that if the drinker loved you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
- Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
- Do you sometimes feel guilty when you think of the lengths you have gone to in order to control the drinker?
- Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved?
- Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker into saying "I love you" or "I'm sorry"?
- Do you ever treat people (children, employees, parents, co-workers, etc.) unjustly because you are angry at someone else for drinking too much?
- Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?
If you have answered yes to three or more of these questions, Al-Anon or Alateen may help. You can contact Al-Anon or Alateen by looking in your local telephone directory or visiting their websites.
related resources more self-tests
*Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA