ABOUT AL-ANON

ABOUT US

Al-Anon and Alateen Family Groups hold weekly meetings for the relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve problems associated with the family disease of alcoholism. We believe the disease affects all members of the family, and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon is not affiliated with any outside entity or religious organization. We do not engage in any public issues nor endorse or oppose any other causes. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon accepts voluntary contributions from its members.
Al-Anon has one purpose: to help families and friends of alcoholics. We do this by studying and practicing the Twelve Steps. We welcome all families and friends of alcoholics. Finally, we offer understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

If you are concerned with someone else's drinking, the Al-Anon program can help you.

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 with an active drinking problem or a struggle with sobriety.

In Al-Anon we learn that we are powerless to control an alcoholic's drinking. Acceptance enables us to progress with the program, and until we stop trying to control, we will continue to live with the frustration that made us seek Al-Anon. Once we learn to let go of our distorted thinking, the loving concern and help of the other members will provide strong support. This, in turn, helps us understand what the Al-Anon program can do for us and for the quality of our lives.

Why is alchoholism referred to as a family disease?

While most of us have heard that alcoholism is a disease, too few recognize it as a "family disease" which may emotionally, spiritually and often physically affect three or four people in each home, each office or workplace, or each group of friends.

Al-Anon Family Groups, Al-Anon and Alateen give us the assurance that no situation is too difficult and no unhappiness too great to be lessened if we are willing to keep an open mind. With the understanding that alcoholism is a disease, and with the realization that we are powerless over it, as well as over other people, we are ready to make constructive decisions regarding our own lives. Only then can we be of help to others.
Without support and spiritual help, living around or with a problem drinker is too much for most of us. We may become nervous, irritable and resentful. Our thinking often becomes confused, and our perspective distorted. A change in our attitude may be of boundless help and is often the force for good that finally inspires an alcoholic to seek help.
The Al-Anon program is a spiritual way of life based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Study of this program and its Twelve Steps strengthens us and guides us in solving many difficult problems, some of which we might once have thought were hopeless.