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"AL-ANON (and AL-ATEEN for younger members) is a worldwide organization that offers a self-help recovery program for 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 expresses opinions on outside issues nor endorses outside enterprises. No dues or fees are required. Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one's own life has been adversely affected by someone else's drinking problem."

"(Adapted from AL-ANON SPEAKS OUT, a newsletter for professionals. Al-Anon Family Groups, Inc. 1979)" Copyright © Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Reprinted with permission.

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 in recovery.

Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution. It 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.

     Twelve Steps of 
Al-Anon and Alateen

Alcoholism is a family disease. 
Living with the effects of someone else's drinking is too devastating for most people to bear without help.

In Al-Anon, we learn individuals are not responsible for another person's disease or recovery from it.

We let go of our obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights; lives guided by a Power greater than ourselves.

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.

Detachment is neither kind nor unkind. It does not imply judgment or condemnation of the person or situation from which we are detaching. It is simply a means that allows us to separate ourselves from the adverse effects that another person's alcoholism  can have upon our lives,

Detachment helps families look at their situations realistically and objectively, thereby making intelligent decisions possible.

*From "Detachment" - Al-Anon Public Information Material (S19) Used with Permission

Closing

In closing I would like to say that the opinions expressed here were strictly those of the person who gave them. Take what you liked and leave the rest...

The things you heard were spoken in confidence and should be treated as confidential. Keep them within the "walls" of this room and the confines of your mind...

A few special words to those of you who haven't been with us long: Whatever your problems there are those among us who have had them, too. If you try to keep an open mind you will find help. You will come to realize that there is no situation too difficult to be bettered and no unhappiness too great to be lessened...

We aren't perfect. The welcome we give you may not show the warmth we have in our hearts for you. After a while, you'll discover that though you may not like all of us, you'll love us in a very special way ... the same way we already love you.

Talk to each other, reason things out with someone else but let there be no gossip or criticism of one another. Instead, let the understanding, love and peace of the program grow in you one day at a time.