That is why grass-roots groups such as AI-Anon are so important in facilitating meetings to show those affected that the range of emotions experienced are understandable and that they themselves are not responsible for the alcohol dependency of a family member or friend.Scotland is particularly supportive of the aims and work of AI-Anon, with more than 120 groups meeting regularly—there are six in my region of North East Scotland, including three in my home town of Aberdeen.I want to touch on the equally important role that is played by Alateen, a support group that was founded in 1957 by a Californian teenager whose father was a recovering alcoholic and whose mother was a member of AI-Anon.