Are you fighting an addiction, or includes a loved one's addiction left you feeling helpless? If that's the case, you're not alone. 
 <b> https://12stepillinois.com/alanon-meetings/il/chicago/ </b> provide an oasis of support for those afflicted with addiction, supplying a safe space to talk about your stories and find strength in numbers. Here's an overview of what Al-Anon meetings are and why they're beneficial.
 
 
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 What's Al-Anon?
 
 Al-Anon is just a fellowship of members of the family and friends of men and women who struggle with alcohol abuse. It had been founded in 1951 by Lois W., the wife of Bill W., one of many founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Al-Anon provides emotional support for people who are affected by alcoholism—whether that's through their very own struggles or through the struggles of someone near to them. The primary purpose of Al-Anon is to help families and friends get over the consequences alcoholism is wearing their lives.
 
 Al-Anon meetings are held throughout the world, including many in Chicago. These meetings give a supportive environment where members can share their experiences, strengths, and hopes while getting encouragement from others who've been suffering from alcoholism. At these meetings, members learn to cope with their problems and how to touch base for help when needed. They also gain insight into how to greatly help their family members experiencing substance abuse issues.
 
 
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 Al-Anon also offers online resources, including pamphlets that discuss topics such as for instance how to handle stress related to addiction and how setting boundaries when helping someone with an addiction issue. The website also provides info on attending virtual meetings in addition to finding local face-to face meetings in Chicago and other cities around the world. 
 
 Attending Al-Anon meetings may be life changing for those afflicted with alcoholism--whether it's themselves or someone near them--by providing emotional support and guidance through difficult times. With both virtual and face-to face solutions, there's no reason to not take advantage of this excellent resource right here in our personal backyard! So if you're looking for strength in this challenging time, consider attending an Al Anon meeting towards you today!