About Al-Anon
Al-Anon and Alateen Family Groups hold weekly meetings for
the relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their
experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve problems
associated with the family disease of alcoholism. We believe the
disease affects all members of the family, and that changed
attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon is not affiliated with any outside entity or religious
organization. We do not engage in any public issues nor endorse
or oppose any other causes. There are no dues for membership.
Al-Anon accepts voluntary contributions from its members.
Al-Anon has one purpose: to help families and friends of
alcoholics. We do this by studying and practicing the Twelve
Steps, the Twelve
Traditions, and the Twelve
Concepts of Service. We welcome all families and friends of alcoholics.
Finally, we offer understanding and encouragement to the
alcoholic.
If you are concerned about someone else's drinking, the
Al-Anon program can help you.
Al-Anon was founded over 60 years ago by families of
alcoholics who had found recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Today, many Al-Anon/Alateen members are finding serenity despite
a friend or family member with an active drinking problem or a
struggle with sobriety.
In Al-Anon we learn that we are powerless to control an
alcoholic's drinking. We learn that we didn't cause it, we can't control it, and we can't cure it. Acceptance enables us to progress with the
program. Unless we stop trying to control, we will continue
to live with the frustration that made us seek Al-Anon. Once we
learn to let go of our distorted thinking, we can see that the loving concern
and help of the other members will provide strong support. This,
in turn, helps us understand what the Al-Anon program can do for
us and for the quality of our lives.
Why is alcoholism referred to as a family disease?
While most of us have heard that alcoholism is a disease,
many of us don't recognize it as a "family disease" that can
emotionally, spiritually and often physically affect three or
four people in each home, each office or workplace, or each
group of friends.
Al-Anon Family Groups, Al-Anon and Alateen give us the assurance
that no situation is too difficult and no unhappiness too great
to be lessened if we are willing to keep an open mind. With the
understanding that alcoholism is a disease, and with the
realization that we are powerless over it, as well as over other
people, we are ready to make constructive decisions regarding
our own lives. Only then can we be of help to others.
Without support and spiritual help, living around or with a
problem drinker is too much for most of us. We may become
nervous, irritable and resentful. Our thinking often becomes
confused, and our perspective distorted. A change in our
attitude may be of boundless help and is often the force for
good that finally inspires an alcoholic to seek help.
The Al-Anon program is a spiritual way of life based on the Twelve
Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Study of this program, and the Twelve
Steps, the Twelve
Traditions, and the Twelve
Concepts of Service, strengthens us and guides us in solving many
difficult problems, some of which we might once have thought
were hopeless.
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