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 else's drinking problem.
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.
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.
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.
