Al-Anon helping families through alcoholism during holidays

The arrival of the holiday season brings different types of anticipations and frustrations.

This holiday season, many Utah families will find themselves battling the chaos that comes with dealing with alcoholism.

For those who have lost their confidence, felt lonely or helpless because of someone's drinking, Al-Anon Family Groups offers services to bring hope, help and peace to many of its participants.

"My life was just in chaos all the time. It seemed to always ramp up around the holidays. It just seemed like I was in this situation that I could not get out of," said Holly, an eight-year member of Al-Anon. "I knew we were going to be with the family, I knew they were going to get drunk, I knew there was going to be a fight, I always knew what was going to happen. I didn't think there was any choice for me. I would be angry about it knowing it was going to happen. "

Al-Anon is a 60-year-old organization of people whose lives have been negatively affected by someone else's drinking. The purpose of the group is to help the family and friends of problem drinkers at no cost.

With the belief that alcoholism is a family illness, members of Al-Anon come together to learn how to change their own attitudes and choose recovery and a better life for themselves, while still helping their loved ones struggling with alcoholism.

"Al-Anon really helped me to know that I have choices. I can decide, 'Well, if this happens, I don't have to scream and yell or throw the mashed potatoes,' " said Holly.

"This is a program of progress, not perfection," said Maxine, a member for the past 20 years.

Maxine remembered a time when her family was almost addicted to chaos. "We didn't know what it was like to have peace, quiet and serenity."

Members learn that living each day is important. It is important to build good memories and not live in the future and lose the moments of today because of anger caused by an alcoholic in their lives.

"When my kids were young, I (focused on the future). I lost so many moments with them because I was so involved with the alcoholic. I let too many moments with my kids pass. I've learned to enjoy the moment," Maxine said.

For those dealing with alcoholism, Al-Anon shared a few tips for the holidays that are also used in everyday dealings:

Remember: You did not cause the alcoholism. You can't control it. You can't cure it.