Samantha grew up in a family where alcoholism is an intergenerational illness, affecting her grandmother, mother, cousins, and now her child. The direct effect on Samantha was that she developed ways of being in the world that helped her survive in environments she couldn't trust, becoming isolated and inflexible in her thinking. This took an emotional toll. When a co-worker, a recovering alcoholic, shared his experience of recovery, Samantha sought help in Al-Anon. Here she learned to open up emotionally in a safe environment, to love her child whether they are drinking or not and to take care of her self.If someone else's drinking is causing you a problem, then you can phone the Al-Anon Family Groups helpline on 1300 252 666 or go online at al-anon.org.au for more information.If you would like to find out a bit more about alcoholism for yourself or a friend, then you can give Alcoholics Anonymous a call on 1300 222 222 or check out their website aa.org.au.Show your support for the Living Free show by donating to 3CR https://www.3cr.org.au/donate#Alcoholism #Al-Anon #Recovery The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.