Answer these questions to see if Al‑Anon could be right for you…

Are you troubled by someone’s drinking?

Alcoholism is a family disease – those who live or have lived with this disease sometimes have problems which the Al‑Anon program can help resolve. These 20 questions are designed to help you decide whether you might benefit from attending an Al‑Anon group. Find out more about alcoholism.

1. Do you worry about how much someone else drinks?
2. Do you have money problems because of someone else’s drinking?
3. Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking?
4. Do you feel if the drinker cared about you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
5. Do you blame the drinker’s behavior on his or her companions?
6. Are plans frequently upset or canceled or meals delayed because of the drinker?
7. Do you make threats, such as, “If you don’t stop drinking, I’ll leave you”?
8. Do you secretly try to smell the drinker’s breath?
9. Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
10. Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker’s behavior?
11. Are holidays and gatherings spoiled because of drinking?
12. Have you considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse?
13. Do you search for hidden alcohol?
14. Do you ever ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking?
15. Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
16. Do you feel like a failure because you can’t control the drinking?
17. Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved?
18. Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker?
19. Do you feel angry, confused or depressed most of the time?
20. Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?

If you answered yes to some of these questions, Al‑Anon may be able to help you. A good place to start is a Beginners’ Meeting where can also find links to a complete schedule of meetings in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Download a printable copy of these questions (S-17, PDF)

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

Questions to help you decide if you need Al‑Anon Adult Children or Alateen

Updated 28 August 2024