Support for friends and family of individuals who abuse alcohol and drugs The family and friends of people with a debilitating mental or behavioral disorder often need psychological support themselves, in order to be helpful to their loved one while at the same time preserving their own well-being. Al-Anon is a self-help group run by and for people who have a friend or family member who is addicted to alcohol or another drug. Self-help groups are valuable components of the mental health system that are not directed by mental health professionals.