DETACHMENT

  
  Detachment  is neither  kind  nor  unkind. It does not  imply  judgment  or  condemnation  of  the 
person or situation from which we are detaching. Separating ourselves from the adverse effects of another person's alcoholism can be a means of detaching:  this  does  not  necessarily  require physical separation. Detachment can help us look at  our  situations  realistically  and  objectively.
   Alcoholism is a family disease. Living with the effects  of  someone  else's  drinking  is  too devastating for most people to bear without help.
   In Al-Anon we learn nothing we say or do can cause or stop  someone else's drinking. We are not responsible for another person's disease or recovery from it.
   Detachment allows us to let go of out obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights,  lives  guided  by  a  Power  greater  than ourselves. We  can  still  love the person without liking the behavior.

      IN AL-ANON WE LEARN:  

• Not to suffer because of the actions or 
  reactions of other people.
• Not to allow ourselves to be used or abused 
  by others in the interest of another's recovery.
• Not to do for others what they can to for themselves.
• Not to manipulate situations so others will eat, 
  go to bed, get up, pay bills, not drink, or behave as we see fit.
• Not to cover up for another's mistakes or misdeeds.
• Not to create a crisis.

• Not to prevent a crisis if it is in the natural 
  course of events.
  

By learning to focus on ourselves, our attitudes and well-being improves. We allow the alcoholics in our lives to experience the consequences of their own actions.