Detachment
North Central Texas Al-Anon/Alateen
District 6







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 judgment 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.
Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA
For More Information On Al-Anon or AlaTeen,
Please Call Our Information Line @ 940-767-0844