Are You Affected by Someone Else’s Drinking?

Are You Affected by Someone Else’s Drinking?

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? The following questions are designed to help you decide whether or not you need Alanon.

(1) Do you worry about how much someone else drinks? (2) Do you have money problems because of someone else’s drinking? (3) Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking? (4) Do you feel that if the drinker loved you, he or she would stop drinking to please you? (5) Do you think the drinker’s behavior is caused by his or her companions?

(6) Are routines frequently upset or meals delayed because of the drinker? (7) Do you make threats such as "If you don’t stop drinking I’ll leave you"? (8) When you kiss the drinker hello, do you secretly try to smell his or her breath? (9) Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout? (10) Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker’s behavior?

(11) Does it seem as if every holiday is spoiled because of drinking? (12) Have you considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse? (13) Do you find yourself searching for the hidden liquor? (14) Do you often ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking? (15) Have you refused social invitations out of a fear of anxiety?

(16) Do you sometimes feel like a failure when you think of the lengths you have gone to control the drinker? (17) Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking your other problems would be solved? (18) Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker? (19) Do you feel angry, confused and depressed most of the time? (20) Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, Alanon or Alateen may help. Members have been where you are and do understand. Meetings are confidential; only first names are used.

Local meetings are held on Mondays at 8 p.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, South St. in Litchfield; on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. in the cafeteria at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, 540 Litchfield St. in Torrington; on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at Church of Christ Congregational, Routes 4 & 63 in Goshen; on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at United Methodist Church, Route 181 in Pleasant Valley; on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 160 Main St. in Thomaston; on Fridays at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Route 202 in Bakerville; and on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at Mountainside Lodge, Route 7 in Canaan.

For more info call 888-8AL-ANON, or visit <www.ct-al-anon.org>.