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Over 14.4 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder each year. But they aren't the only ones who are suffering.

Family members and friends of those who have alcoholism also experience pain and suffering. There's Alcoholics Anonymous for alcoholics, but what is there for loved ones?

There's Al-Anon.

It's estimated that there are over 2 million members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in over 180 countries around the world.

If you've ever wondered about how to become an AA sponsor, you've come to the right place. We gathered everything you need to know about this role that's essential to the success of many members of AA.

Keep reading to learn more about AA sponsorship and to see if it's right for you.

The 12-step program has been around for almost 100 years. In fact, the first AA meeting took place in 1935, three years before Alcoholics Anonymous became the official name of the organization. AA was publicly founded in 1938 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two men who struggled with alcoholism themselves.

Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect at your first AA meeting.

One of the hardest parts about getting sober is losing out on the social aspects of drinking. But more and more people are figuring out how to go to the bar without getting drunk.

That's in part thanks to sober bars. When you go to a sober bar, you're getting the same environment minus all the alcohol. You're drinking mocktails instead of cocktails. 

Things are going great on your date. The chemistry is there, you're laughing, you have plenty in common. Then they drop the bomb: they are an alcoholic who's gotten sober. 

Is this a dealbreaker? Maybe, maybe not. Dating a recovering alcoholic can present some problems, but it's not an insurmountable hurdle. 

Is someone you know approaching a sobriety milestone? You may want to congratulate them on their achievement, but what's the best way to do that? You'll want to encourage them while remaining sensitive to the subject.

If you're not sure how to do that, here are a few tips on what to say to someone on their sobriety anniversary.

In the past few years, Americans have paid a lot of attention to the opioid epidemic -- with good reason. It causes thousands of tragic deaths each year.

However, even as we shine a spotlight on dangerous narcotics, it's important to remember other substances can be just as deadly. Take alcohol; each year in the U.S., some 88,000 people die directly or indirectly due to alcohol consumption.

One in eight American adults, or 12.7% of our country's population, have an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism doesn't only affect the person holding the bottle, though. If you're living with an alcoholic, chances are, you've felt the strain yourself. 

Loving an alcoholic isn't always easy. While they can benefit from your support, your health and happiness matter too.

Find the balance with these five tips on how to live with an alcoholic. These tips can make your life a little easier.