I want to feel good about myself.
I want to restore my life to serenity.
But I'm not the one who needs help!
Maybe... but if you've ever thought that the habits, actions or escape patterns of someone close to you are seriously affecting your life, please read on.
It's something you can do about feeling normal... feeling good about yourself.
Families Anonymous is made up of people who have been in your shoes - people who have walked down the same road you're on.
What kind of problems bring friends or relatives to meetings?
The topics range from minor behavioral problems to runaways, hostility, delinquency, truancy, low self-esteem, etc. The core of the problems discussed are sometimes drug and alcohol related. There are very few topics which have not been discussed at our meetings.
What about the troubled individual?
Families Anonymous works well in conjunction with other programs. And in the cases where the person refuses to accept help, changed family attitudes can go a long way in improving motivation and set the stage for recovery.
What is expected of a newcomer or visitor?
The only questions asked are:
1. "What's your first name?
2. "Would you like to make a
comment or ask a question?
What happens at meetings?
Members share their own experiences - both successes and failures - and are supportive of those going through a particular crisis. Each hour-and-a-half meeting is built around a specific theme, such as: expectations, anxiety, communications, over-protection, etc.
Who leads the meetings?
A different member of the program leads each meeting. Guest speakers are also invited from time to time.
Does the program work?
Dr. Laurence S. Brody: (Psychiatrist)
"Families Anonymous fills a gap that most professionals don't.
It is an effective means of working with the family and getting them to see
their part in the rehabilitation of the person in trouble."
Dr. Roland Summit:
(Psychiatrist)
"The lack of professional involvement may also account in part
for its success. Those involved in F.A. are involved in a tremendous and
personal way, like neighbors helping neighbors."
Judge Leon Emerson: (Downey, CA)
"In my experience, where families attend this program, the rate
of recovery in the user is about double... I don't think anyone knows for sure
why Families Anonymous works so well. It just does."
A Parent: (Des Plaines, Illinois)
"I just wish I could have found Families Anonymous sooner.
The program really saved our family!"
Is there a cost?
The program has absolutely no charges whatsoever. Moreover, it has no fund raising or government grants involved.
How can I sign up?
There's no need for a formal signup. Just use our online directory to find the details of a meeting near you. We encourage visitors to stop by at any meeting and we never ask or use last names. If you cannot find a meeting in your local area please contact the FA World Service Office at...
FAMILIES ANONYMOUS, INC.
POST OFFICE BOX 3475
CULVER CITY, CA 90231-3475
(800) 736-9805
FAX (310) 815-9682
www.FamiliesAnonymous.org
e-mail:
famanon@FamiliesAnonymous.org