Al-Anon is…
- A FELLOWSHIP of relatives and friends of alcoholics who believe their lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
- A MUTUAL SUPPORT program based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- A NONPROFESSIONAL fellowship where members share their experiences, strength, and hope to solve their common problems.
- 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.
- A WORLDWIDE fellowship with more than 26,000 groups, in over 115 countries, that has been in existence since 1951.
- COMPATIBLE with professional treatment. Statistics show 63% of its members received treatment/counseling after attending Al-Anon.
- FREE OF CHARGE and self-supporting through members’ voluntary contributions. There are no dues or fees for membership.
Al-Anon is not…
- Allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution.
- Involved in any outside issues neither endorces nor opposes any cause.
- Affiliated with AA, though both fellowships do cooperate with one another.
- Considered a religious organization, treatment center, counseling agency, or teaching program.
- Intended for families of drug abusers or individuals with other difficulties unless there is a problem of alcoholism as well.
- Conducted by professionals.
- Intended as a replacement for professional treatment.
Alateen is…
- A part of Al-Anon.
- For young people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA