What Al-Anon IS

• Al-Anon is a mutual support group. Meeting attendees are welcome to share what they are going through and ask questions.
• Participation is voluntary.
• Meetings are anonymous.
• Al-Anon is a safe place where you can learn to trust, share your problems and receive support from others in similar circumstances.

What is the primary purpose of Al-Anon?

The primary purpose of an Al-Anon group is to help families and friends of alcoholics. A.A. members are welcome to join Al-Anon if they feel their lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. At Al-Anon meetings, members should not discuss their membership in A.A. or any other anonymous fellowship.

Who started Alanon?

Lois W.
Anne B.
Al-Anon/Alateen/Founders

Why is it called Alanon?

In 1951, Al-Anon was officially established with 56 member groups across the continental United States. They chose the name from the first syllables of “Alcoholics Anonymous” and, in keeping with the founding principles, adopted the Twelve Steps (and later the Twelve Traditions) in a slightly modified form.

What to expect at Al Anon meeting?

What to Expect. At an alanon meeting, a member usually gives a short talk on one of the twelve steps and how it applies to his or her life. This is usually a member who has been involved with the program for some time. After the talk, other members have the opportunity to share.

Can an alcoholic go to Al Anon?

Yes, you should go to Al-Anon and also go to Alateen if there’s an Alateen meeting available to attend. Al-Anon has a lot of adult children of alcoholics who are recovering from the extremely damaging effects of growing up with an alcoholic parent.

Is Al Anon only for families of Alcoholics?

There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. At meetings a basket is passed to cover expenses, but contributions are generally modest and strictly voluntary. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics.

Is Al-Anon only for alcoholics?

Al-Anon solely supports the recovery of alcoholism and is therefore not associated with any particular religious groups, political groups or other institutions. Similar to AA, Al-Anon is a self-supporting group that relies solely on contributions from its members.