Tamara's German grandmother was an alcoholic whose children, including Tamara's mother, were affected by the difficulties that this caused. Tamara found herself in conflict with her mother in her adolescent years. When through a relationship with a recovering alcoholic who recognised the dysfunction in Tamara's family, Tamara found herself in Al-Anon, she identified with the stories she heard there. After an initial outpouring of grief, she began to work the 12 Steps of recovery. Now her relationship with her mother is much more loving because of improved boundaries, better communication and less enmeshment.Tamara has not had a flareup of her Chronic Fatigue symptoms since joining Al-Anon.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.