Support those living with an alcholholic

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States: 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking, and more than 7 million children live in a household where at least one parent is dependent on or has abused alcohol.

During Alcohol Awareness Month, Washington State Al-Anon District 2 is sponsoring a free community information event on Monday, April 18 entitled “Al-Anon: Living with an Alcoholic.” This event is intended for the friends and families of problem drinkers, as well as for helping professionals, students and the general public. Al-Anon is not Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and is not designed for those who have a drinking problem, but instead, Al-Anon is a support group for those who are troubled by someone else’s drinking.

When: April 18, 7-8 p.m.

Where: Spokane County Library North Branch, 44 East Hawthorne Road, Spokane.

The community is invited to learn more about what Al-Anon Family Groups are and this support group can help family members and friends of alcoholics overcome the effects of living with a loved one’s problem drinking. The one-hour event will have a panel of local Al-Anon members and free Al-Anon informational pamphlets. Questions: email District2AlAnonOutreach@yahoo.com.

Nancy Kuonen

Spokane Valley