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Al-Anon Family Groups (which includes Alateen for younger family members) is a pioneer in the concept of "family recovery" from alcoholism, which holds that one person's drinking problem adversely affects the lives of close friends and family, and that friends and family who are able to recover from these adverse affects are able to improve their lives, as well as the problem drinker's chances for recovery.

Statement of Purpose

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.

Al-Anon Is a worldwide organization that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics whether or not the alcoholic seeks help or even recognizes the existence of a drinking problem. Members give and receive comfort and understanding through a mutual exchange of experiences, strength and hope. Sharing of similar problems binds individuals and groups together in a bond that is protected by a policy of anonymity.

Al-Anon Is Not a religious organization or a counseling agency. It is not a treatment center nor is it allied with any other organization offering such services. Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen for teenage members, neither express opinions on outside issues nor endorse outside enterprises. No dues or fees are required. Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one's own life has been adversely affected by someone elses's drinking problem.

Help is here for the asking. Please take a moment to ask yourself these questions: "Are You Troubled By Someone's Drinking?" or "Did You Grow Up With A Problem Drinker?" If you identify with some of these statements, it is important to know that help and hope for friends and families of alcoholics is just a phone call away.

In Al-Anon We Learn:

Not to suffer because of the actions or reactions of other people;
Not to allow ourselves to be used or abused by others in the interest of another's recovery;
Not to do for others what they could do for themselves;
Not to manipulate situations so others will eat, go to bed, get up, pay bills, not drink;
Not to cover up for anyone's mistakes or misdeeds;
Not to create a crisis;
Not to prevent a crisis if it is in the natural course of events.

Help is here for the asking.

Please take a moment to ask yourself these questions:

Are You Troubled By Someone's Drinking?

or Did You Grow Up With A Problem Drinker?

Are you a teenager who is affected by someone else's drinking?

Take a moment to read through and answer some of these questions. If you identify with some of these statements, and answered yes to some of the questions, it is important to know that help and hope for friends and families of alcoholics is just a phone call away, and there is always a meeting around the corner

Questions or Comments? Click here to email or contact us for more information.

Reprinted in part with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.