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 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.