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 12 Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

Reprinted with the permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, In., Virginia Beach, VA

Frequently Asked Questions

How will Al-Anon help me? Many who come to Al-Anon/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/Alateen, members share their own experience, strength and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.

What if I'm not ready to go to a meeting? If you feel anxiety about attending an Al-Anon meeting, you're not alone. Many people have felt that way. But overcoming that reluctance is an opportunity for personal growth, the first of many that the Al-Anon program offers. It's the first step on the road to recovery. Don't worry about whether or not you want to become a 'member'. Just visit a variety of different meetings to gather information - to hear how the people there handle their issues with alcoholics. It may be that some of their experiences will be helpful to you.

Who are the members of Al-Anon/Alateen? Members are people just like you and me - people who have been affected by 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 feel our lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Members tend to be generous about sharing hope and strength, which can provide a sense of belonging and mutual support to ease feelings of loneliness and despair.

Is this a religious fellowship? Al-Anon is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one. We avoid discussion of specific religious doctrine, and members of all faiths (or of none) are welcome. Our Twelve 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 his or her own way. We keep the focus on what everyone in the room has in common - a loved one with a drinking problem and how that has affected our lives.

Is an appointment needed, or do I need to register before attending a meeting? No advance notification, formal referral or registration is needed to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Most Al-Anon groups have a contact who can be called for information about the group, our program in general, or for directions to a meeting. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers, and teens are welcome at all Al-Anon meetings. All meetings are on a walk-in basis. There is no membership list or attendance taken. You're welcome to attend as frequently or infrequently as you choose. There is never any obligation. You can choose to share your full name or not.

How much is this going to cost? There are no dues or fees in Al-Anon/Alateen. Groups pass a basket for voluntary contributions that go toward rent, literature, phone and zoom accounts, and offer support to local and worldwide service centers.

Will anyone say I've been there? One of the Al-Anon/Alateen program'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 do I find a meeting? There are local in-person and virtual (zoom) meetings that can be found on this website (al-anonnl.ca), and you can also find meetings on the al-anon.org website. You will be welcomed anywhere and anyway you attend. You can also call the office to get all your questions answered by a friendly Al-Anon volunteer.

Do I have to say anything at a meeting? It is your choice to speak or not during the meetings. Newcomers are welcomed to meetings, usually provided with literature and invited to listen and learn. Some meetings offer beginners' meetings, specifically for newcomers. Members are available to answer questions before or after the meetings. Meetings are not group therapy sessions and no advice will be given. Instead meetings are based on sharing our experiences.

What is alcoholism? Alcoholism is widely recognized as a disease of compulsive drinking, which can be arrested, but not cured. It is a progressive illness, which will only get worse as long as the person continues to drink. 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 himself or herself.

Who are alcoholics? Alcoholics can be anyone, from all backgrounds and walks of life. Over 95% of alcoholics have families, friends, and jobs, They may function fairly well, but some part of their life is suffering. Their drinking causes a continuing and growing problem in their lives, and the lives they touch.

Why is alcoholism considered 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 behaviour of another person. We react to the alcoholic's behaviour. 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 that really belong to the drinker. We can become as addicted to the alcoholic, as the alcoholic is to alcohol. We, too, can become ill. Al-Anon is not a program for finding or maintaining sobriety. It is a program to help the families of alcoholics recover from the effects of someone else's drinking.

When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and AlAteen always be there. And let it begin with me.