Are you troubled by someone else's drinking?

For more than 70 years, Al-Anon Family Groups have been offering help and support to families and friends of problem drinkers and has hundreds of groups throughout the UK and Eire and thousands more online and around the world - and now it has added Oban to its network of safe space meetings.

 

The Oban group meets at the playgroup building behind the Baptist Church Hall on Albany Street on Wednesdays at 6.15pm. Meetings last one hour with time to chat before and afterwards. The next meeting is on January 1, however check the website for meeting details in case there are any changes to the venue or time.

 

Al-Anon is for everyone, said spokesperson for the group explaining: "The alcoholic in your life could be your spouse, partner, parent, child, grandchild, other relative, friend, or co-worker.

 

"Our individual situations may be different but in Al-Anon we find solutions to our common problem and we see how we have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Many of us have experienced uncertainties, lies, financial problems, violence, emotional and physical abuse. We can feel ashamed, desperate, isolated and unable to cope but when you join Al-Anon you are no longer alone.

 

"The meetings offer a safe confidential space where your anonymity will be respected. We come together to find the strength to solve our own problems. As we attend meetings, read the literature and talk with others we begin to find some peace and hope for the future."

 

Although Al-Anon is a spiritual fellowship, it is not a religious one - people of all faiths or none are equally welcome and discussion of specific religious doctrine is avoided, said the spokesperson.

 

Here is one person’s story of how Al-Anon is supporting them: “I had no idea how badly I had been affected by active alcoholism until I had a mental health breakdown in my early twenties.

 

"I just couldn’t cope with life anymore, everything felt too hard. Through attending Al-Anon meetings I have learned that I was severely affected by my Dad’s alcoholism. Al-Anon meetings have given me a safe place to share how I feel. I have learned how to recover from the affects of my childhood and to live a happier more joyful life, something I never thought possible.

 

"I would recommend Al-Anon to anyone who lives or has lived with a problem drinker. You will find people who know what you have been through, who can offer support and understanding. You no longer have to be alone, there is help," they said.

 

You can find out more about Al-Anon at al-anonuk.org.uk/