About

About Al-Anon

Al-Anon's program of recovery is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Al-Anon/Alateen is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause.

Al-Anon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon/Alateen is self supporting through its own voluntary contributions, and through the sale of Conference-approved Al-Anon/Alateen literature (CAL).

Al-Anon is:

  • A fellowship of relatives and friend of alcoholics who believe their lives have been affected by someone else's drinking.

  • A mutual support recovery program based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

  • A nonprofessional fellowship where members share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their common problems.

  • A program with the anonymity of all Al-Anon and AA members protected.

  • A spiritual program that is compatible with all religious beliefs or none.

  • A program with the single purpose of helping families and friends of alcoholics, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.

Al-Anon is Not:

  • Allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution.

  • Involved in any outside issues--neither endorses nor opposes any cause.

  • Affiliated with AA, although both fellowships cooperate with one another.

  • Considered a religious organization, treatment center, provider, counseling agency, or teaching program.

  • Conducted by professionals.

  • Intended as a replacement for professional treatment or counseling.

--reprinted from Inside Al-Anon, September 2003

Al-Anon's Purpose:

Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with alcoholism. This is done by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. There are no dues or fees for membership. The only requirement is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause.

Anonymity

Sharing of similar problems binds individuals and groups together in a bond that is protected by a tradition of anonymity. Anonymity is the foundation of the Al-Anon organization. Be assured that your call to Al-Anon or presence at a meeting will be held confidential. What is said member to member will be kept confidential and what is shared in a meeting stays in a meeting.

Al-Anon Can Help

Millions of people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close. "In Al-Anon, we understand as perhaps few others can. We too were lonely and frustrated. But in Al-Anon we found there is hope and that changed attitudes can aid recovery." **

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. Al-Anon believes alcoholism is a family illness.

By regularly attending and participating in Al-Anon meetings you will find healthy, positive ways of dealing with the difficulties that result from another's alcoholism. Even if the alcoholic continues to drink, his or her relatives and friends can achieve serenity as a result of Al-Anon.