DEAR ABBY: You advised a reader who signed herself "Stacking the Odds in Oregon" to contact Al-Anon and inquire about an intervention program for her mother. I have been an Al-Anon member for more than eight years and would like to set the record straight because Al-Anon has changed my life.
Al-Anon is NOT a referral program. Please do NOT call if you are looking for a rehabilitation center, intervention program or therapist. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution. Al-Anon does not engage in any controversy, and neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership; Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.
Al-Anon is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics.
Because of Al-Anon, my life is filled with joy, friendship, hope and love, where once there was only sadness, loneliness, despair and anger. Please, Abby, let your readers know that if they are affected by another person's drinking, Al-Anon may help. We're in the phone book. -- AL-ANONYMOUS IN TARZANA, CALIF.
DEAR ANONYMOUS: Thank you for writing to remind me that if people need intervention for someone with an alcohol or drug problem, it must be arranged with the institution in which the patient will be detoxed or rehabilitated -- NOT Al-Anon! I needed the reminder, and I want only to steer my readers in the right direction.