In al-anon we discovered that no situation is really hopeless

and that it is possible for us to find contentment and even happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.

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What is al-anon

Al-Anon is

Al-anon family groups

Al-Anon Is Not

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, Alateen, 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.

FAQ

Al-Anon Is Not

Al-anon family groups

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.

Al-anon family groups

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. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

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. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.

Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

More information below.

HOW CAN I HELP My...

what members say...

Serenity

Fellowship

Serenity

I came into al-anon to get help to make a loved one stop drinking and using. I was absolutely shocked to learn that I was powerless over the alcoholic and the disease. I continue to make al-anon a major part of my life so that I can live the life I was destined to live, not the life consumed by obsession over another's drinking. I am clearer about what is my responsibility and what is not. I like the person I am becoming.

Program

Fellowship

Serenity

I came into al-anon hopeless, broken, exhausted and totally alone. The program showed me that I have choices and I do not need to travel this journey alone. I have since gained hope, trust, peace, gratitude, and compassion. I discovered a better way to live!

Fellowship

The fellowship in al-anon is like a second family to me. They understand what I am going through, what I am feeling and insanity of my life. Our situations may be different, but the effects of alcoholism are the same. I know that what I share in al-anon is never judged or repeated. No one gives my advice. Other members share their experience, strength and hope. By listening I found serenity.

Gratitude

LOVING THE ALCOHOLIC

Fellowship

I am grateful for the al-non family program. When I came into the rooms of al-anon I was physically and mentally sick. I was consumed with the illness of alcoholism. I could not see beyond my pain and fear. I wanted to fix my loved ones. I could not continue to live this way.

In al-anon I learned that I only could fix myself. I only can control me and I am responsible for my own happiness. With using the tools of the al-anon program , happiness and serenity are possible. I am grateful that I found peace and serenity, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.

I am forever grateful!

LOVING THE ALCOHOLIC

Before I came to al-anon, I was very frustrated, hurt, scared, angry, and devastated with the alcoholic’s choices and behavior. Why won’t they listen to me? Why do they keep drinking? Why… why… why…!

Today, I can separate the illness of alcoholism from my loved ones. I love the person but struggle with the illness and the years of peace and happiness it took from me, and them, before I came to al-anon. It is a family illness. I love them with all my heart. We now have a more healthy and loving relationship.

They didn’t choose this illness any more than I did. I cannot control whether or not they choose recovery, but I still can.

Family

LOVING THE ALCOHOLIC

Al-anon has changed my life. And I say CHANGED because my thinking has changed. Being the oldest in my family, I believed it was my responsibility to take care of everyone, my brother, sister, and mother, because my life was so much better than theirs, so I thought. When I discovered that my son was an alcoholic as well, my whole world fell apart. I came to Al-anon to find out what I had done as a mother to cause my son to become an alcoholic. Instead, I found that I needed to take care of myself. Attending al-anon meetings is a top priority for me. It's having an al-anon family. We share our experience, strength and hope. Today, because of my Higher Power, I have peace and serenity in my life. I’ve learned only I can make me happy.