For the Newcomer
Welcome to Al-Anon–we know that you will find help and hope in over 26,000 meetings, found in 115 countries. We offer here answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our fellowship. The answers are here...
Who are the members of Al-Anon and Alateen?
Al-Anon and Alateen members are people just like you and me- people who have been affected b someone else’s drinking. They are parents, children, spouses, partners, brothers, sisters, other family members, friends, employers, employees, and coworkers of alcoholics. No matter what our specific experience has been we share a common bond, we our lives have been affected by someone's drinking.
Do I have to say anything at a meeting?
It is your choice to speak or not at the meetings. Newcomers are welcomed to meetings, usually provided with literature and a local meeting list, and invited to listen and learn. Some meetings offer Beginner Meetings specifically for Newcomers. Members are available to answer questions before or after the meetings.
Will anyone say I've been there?
One of Al-Anon’s basic principles is that of anonymity. Meetings are confidential, and we do not disclose whom we see or what we hear at meetings to anyone.
How much is this going to cost?
There are no dues or fees in Al-Anon or Alateen Meetings. Most meetings pass a basket for voluntary contributions. Members are asked to contribute what they can afford. Just a dollar or two allows the group to pay rent, provide literature and offer support to Al-Anon and the State and Worldwide level. We ask Newcomers not to contribute for their first 3 meetings, allowing them to purchase literature if they like.
Is this a religious fellowship?
Al-Anon Family Groups are a Spiritual Fellowship, not a religious one. We avoid discussion of specific religious doctrine and member of all faiths or of none, are welcome. Our Twelves Steps ask us to find a “power greater than ourselves” who can help us solve our problems and find serenity. Each member is free to define that power in their own way.
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is widely recognized as a disease of compulsive drinking which can be arrested, but never cured. It is a progressive illness, which will only get worse as long as the person continues to drink. Total abstinence from drinking is the only way to arrest the disease. Alcoholism affects the entire family; indeed everyone who has contact with the alcoholic is affected. Unfortunately the only person who can stop the alcoholic from drinking is the alcoholic.
Who are alcoholics?
They could be anyone, from all walks of life. Over 95 percent of alcoholics have families, friends and jobs. They may function fairly wall, but some part of their life is suffering. Their drinking causes a continuing and growing problem in their lives and the lives they touch.
How do alcoholics affect families and friends?
Alcoholism is a family disease. The disease affects all those who have a relationship with a problem drinker. Those of us closest to the alcoholic suffer the most. and those who care the most can easily get caught up in the behavior of another person. We react to the alcoholics behavior. We focus on them, what they do, where they are, how much they drink…We try to control their drinking for them. We take on the blame, guilt and shame the really belongs to the drinker. We can become as addicted to the alcoholic and the alcoholic is to alcohol. We too, can become ill.
How will Al-Anon help me?
Many who come to Al-Anon or Alateen are in despair , feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help. In Al-Anon and Alateen members share their own experience, strength and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We come together to learn a better way of life , to find happiness whether the alcoholic is drinking or not.