Are You Troubled by Someone’s Drinking? Al-Anon or Alateen may be for you…

Millions of people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close. The following questions are designed to help you decide whether or not you need Al-Anon or Alateen:

  • Do you worry about how much someone else drinks?
  • Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking?
  • Do you feel that if the drinker cared about you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
  • Do you secretly try to smell the drinker’s 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 behavior?
  • Do you search for hidden alcohol?
  • 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?
  • Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, Al-Anon or Alateen may be able to help. We encourage you to attend an Al-Anon meeting and connect with others who have (or have had) similar problems. Scroll down for a complete list of questions.

© “Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.” (S17).

Complete list of 20 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 if the drinker cared about you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
  • Do you blame the drinker’s behavior on his or her companions?
  • Are plans frequently upset or canceled or meals delayed because of the drinker?
  • Do you make threats, such as, “If you don’t stop drinking, I’ll leave you”?
  • Do you secretly try to smell the drinker’s 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 behavior?
  • Are holidays and gatherings spoiled because of drinking?
  • Have you considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse?
  • Do you search for hidden alcohol?
  • Do you ever ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking?
  • Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
  • Do you feel like a failure because you can’t control the drinking?
  • 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?
  • Do you feel angry, confused, or depressed most of the time?
  • Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?

Al-Anon is…

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.

Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

© “Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.”

Downloadable PDF pamphlets you may find of interest:

1. Did you Grow Up with a Problem Drinker?
2. Are you Troubled by Someone’s Drinking?
3. Detachment