Dear Doctor,

Since 1956 the American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a primary, progressive disease. We at Al-Anon/Alateen know that it is also a family disease which can affect some or all members of a household both physically and emotionally. It has been our experience that the relatives and friends of alcoholics often seek medical help for a variety of stress-related symptoms.

Al-Anon is a mutual support fellowship that offers a program of recovery to the relatives and friends of alcoholics. Alateen, a part of Al-Anon, is for a teenager who is equally affected by an alcoholic.

If you suspect someone's drinking problem has contributed to the cause of your patient's symptoms, we urge you to recommend Al-Anon and/or Alateen as part of their treatment. Our literature describes the benefits and renewed hope and confidence that the Al-Anon/Alateen self-help program has brought to thousands whose lives have been adversely affected by another's alcoholism.

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