OBJECTIVE: To investigate the experience of family members who participate in Al-Anon support group in relation to alcoholism. METHOD: The research was accomplished with 6 women, 10 invited, attending the group of self-help Al-Anon. The data collection was through semi-structured interviews. The theoretical and methodological reference to the qualitative analysis was based on Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory in Data, in its initial steps. RESULTS: The data resulted in 3 conceptual categories: 1) Denying alcoholism and suffering yours consequences; 2) Searching for help, learning with the support group; 3) Waiting for cure, experiencing sobriety and facing relapses. Besides the support of family and religion, women pointed to the importance of self-help group to support them in facing the problems of alcoholism. CONCLUSION: We hope that the results this research may contribute to enhancing the support offered by Al-Anon, stimulate new studies in the area and strengthen, among health professionals, recognizing the group as important to support effective resource for families.
Alcoholism; family; self-help groups