I don’t currently go, but I spent about 8 yrs. at it. I think in many ways it’s easier to talk to a stranger because it doesn’t mess up your friendships. It really comes down to finding someone you feel comfortable with. The other advantage of talking to a stranger is that any feedback you get will be objective and based upon the person’s training and experience level.
Friends are great and all but the kind of stored up crap we have to wade through from growing up with alcoholics isn’t the kind of stuff most friends can handle. Better it’s left to those with some training.
There is a free resource which you can try. Either Al-Anon ( for relatives and friends of alcoholics) or ACOA ( adult children of alcoholics) groups are free for anyone. The nice part is that if all you feel comfortable doing is listening, that’s ok. No one is required to participate. There are probably several groups conveniently located for where you live.
It wouldn’t hurt to see if you find one where you feel comfortable. I went to numerous of these groups for years and I really learned a lot.
Also if there are any opportunities for free or low cost therapy available in your area, these would be the folks who would know.
Anyway, don’t be discouraged by my long stint. I didn’t go that long because anyone said I had to. I went because I wanted to and because I was growing and learning and I don’t regret any of it.
Give a few groups a try and see what you think. Just sit in the back and listen. It certainly can’t do any harm. It’s better to self medicate with knowledge rather than booze or pills any day of the week.