Are you troubled by someone’s drinking?

Twenty questions developed by Al-Anon Family Groups can help family members identify whether they have been affected by a loved one’s drinking, according to Nicolette Stephens, Information Analyst for Al-Anon. “While it is easy to see what alcohol does to the drinker, it may be difficult to see its effects on those who care about the drinker,” Stephens said.

The 20 questions can be found in Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2008 as a public service at www. Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org.

“What really matters is whether a loved one’s drinking bothers you,” said Stephens. The “20 questions” also contain stories by a wife, husband, teenager and the mother of a problem drinker. Firsthand experiences show how people can recover from the impact of a loved one’s drinking. Stories by clinical physicians and a clinical therapist offer insights into beneficial results that relatives and friends of people who have a drinking problem can achieve.

For information about Al-Anon and meetings, call (218) 624-2764.