WHAT ARE THEY?
Al-Anon/Alateen meetings following a simple format designed to introduce Al-Anon/Alateen to potential newcomers.
HOW DO THEY DIFFER FROM REGULAR GROUP MEETINGS?
Members usually come to a few meetings held at the institution, and then move on to a home group in their community.
WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE?
To carry a message of hope to families of alcoholics and/or those confined or in contact with an institution because of someone else’s drinking problem.
WHERE ARE THEY HELD?
In hospitals, treatment centers, correctional institutions, courts, rehabilitation facilities, mental health service centers, juvenile homes, VA Centers, alcoholism detox units, abused families’ residences, outpatient clinics, and penal institutions.
WHAT KIND OF MEETINGS ARE HELD?
• Closed - for those considering membership.
• Open - for professionals and others interested in learning about the Al-Anon program.
• A “Meeting on Wheels” - open to all. A brief presentation of an Al-Anon/Alateen meeting.
• “Limited Access” - a facility or location not open to the public.
WHO ATTENDS?
Potential Al-Anon/Alateen members who come to the facility because of someone else’s drinking problem and Al-Anon/Alateen members may attend closed meetings. Professionals and other interested people attend open meetings.
WHO CONDUCTS THEM?
Experienced Al-Anon and Alateen members.
WHO SUPPORTS THEM?
Members of regular groups, districts, institutions committees, and information services help lead meetings and supply Conference Approved Literature (CAL).
Al-Anon/Alateen members who conduct these meetings are not employees of, nor compensated by any facility.
CLOSED MEETINGS
Potential members meet with experienced Al-Anon/ Alateen members who stress the basics of our program.
OPEN MEETINGS
All are welcome at Al-Anon/Alateen orientation meetings where an experienced member reads the Al-Anon preamble and then briefly describes the Al-Anon program of family recovery.
Topics may include:
1. Alcoholism: an illness that affects the family.
2. The First Step: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable.”
3. Al-Anon/Alateen membership: “The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.”
4. Alateen: it’s importance for younger family members.
5. Slogans: “Easy Does It,” “One Day At a Time” etc.
6. A story of recovery: Al-Anon and Alateen speakers.
The following guidelines answer some of the most frequently asked questions about institution meetings and are available from Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters,
Inc.:
Guidelines:
(G-1) For Members Interested In Speaking
(G-9) Institutions Service
(G-14) Services in Correctional Facilities
(G-22) A Meeting on Wheels
Reprinted with permission of the Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA.
