WHAT IS AL-ANON?

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of the families and friends of alcoholics, who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve problems associated with the family disease of alcoholism.

Al-Anon was founded over 50 years ago by families of alcoholics who had found recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, many Al-Anon/Alateen members are finding serenity despite a friend or family member having an active drinking problem or a struggle with sobriety.

In Al-Anon we learn that we are powerless to control an alcoholic’s drinking. Until we stop trying for control, we will continue to live with the frustration that made us seek Al-Anon. Acceptance enables us to progress. Once we learn to let go, the loving concern of the other Al-Anon members will provide strong support.

No. There are no dues. Al-Anon is supported by voluntary contributions from its members.

Al-Anon is not a religious program, and it is not affiliated with any outside entity or religious organization, including any religious organizations that meetings may rent space from. Meetings differ in how they address the spiritual heritage of Al-Anon.

The “Higher Power” of the 12 Steps is open to individual interpretation.

Meetings vary considerably. The best way to get a sense of how the meetings work is simply to attend a few different ones.