Discover If Al-Anon Is Right for You
Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos
Explore how Al-Anon can help you regain serenity and support as you navigate the challenges of living with someone who struggles with alcoholism.
Understanding Al-Anon's Mission
Al-Anon provides a supportive community for individuals affected by someone else's drinking. Our mission is to offer a safe space where members can share their experiences and find strength through the 12-step program. We empower individuals to reclaim their lives, fostering peace and resilience despite the challenges posed by alcoholism in their loved ones.
- ARE THEY AN ALCOHOLIC?
- DID YOU GROW UP WITH A PROBLEM DRINKER?
- WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT AN AL-ANON MEETING?
- WHAT IS THE MEMBERS SITE?
ARE THEY AN ALCOHOLIC?
YES or NO
- Do you worry about how much someone drinks?
- Do you have money problems because of someone else's drinking?
- Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking?
- Do you feel if the drinker loved you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
- Do you blame the drinkers behavior on his or her companions?
- Are plans frequently upset or canceled or meals delayed because of the drinker?
- Do you make threats, such as, "If you don't stop drinking, I'll leave you"?
- Do you secretly try to smell the drinker's breath?
- Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
- Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker's behavior?
- Are holidays and gatherings spoiled because of drinking?
- Have you considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse?
- Do you search for hidden alcohol?
- Do you often ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking?
- Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
- Do you sometimes feel like a failure when you think of the lengths you have gone to in order to control the drinker?
- Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved?
- Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker?
- Do you feel angry, confused or depressed most of the time?
- Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?
If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, Al-Anon or Alateen may be able to help you. You can contact Al-Anon or Alateen by phone or e-mail.
DID YOU GROW UP WITH A PROBLEM DRINKER?
1. Do you constantly seek approval and affirmation?
2. Do you fail to recognize your accomplishments?
3. Do you fear criticism?
4. Do you overextend yourself?
5. Have you had problems with your own compulsive behavior?
6. Do you have a need for perfection?
7. Are you uneasy when your life is going smoothly, continually anticipating problems?
8. Do you feel more alive in the midst of a crisis?
9. Do you still feel responsible for others, as you did for the problem drinker in your life?
10. Do you care for others easily, yet find it difficult to care for yourself?
11. Do you isolate yourself from other people?
12. Do you respond with fear to authority figures and angry people?
13. Do you feel that individuals and society in general are taking advantage of you?
14. Do you have trouble with intimate relationships?
15. Do you confuse pity with love, as you did with the problem drinker?
16. Do you attract and/or seek people who tend to be compulsive and/or abusive?
17. Do you cling to relationships because you are afraid of being alone?
18. Do you often mistrust your own feelings and the feelings expressed by others?
19. Do you find it difficult to identify and express your emotions?
20. Do you think someone's drinking may have affected you?
If you have answered "Yes" to any of these questions, Al-Anon or Alateen may help you. FIND A MEETING NOW
- Al‑Anon is a mutual support group. Everyone at the meeting shares as an equal. No one is in a position to give advice or direction to anyone else. Everyone at the meeting has experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking.
- You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation at your first meeting. If you’d rather just listen, you can say “I pass,” or explain that you’d just like to listen.
- Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al‑Anon unity. Al‑Anon recommends that you try at least six different meetings before you decide if Al‑Anon will be helpful to you.
- Al‑Anon is not a religious program. Even when the meeting is held in a religious center, the local Al‑Anon group pays rent to that center and is not affiliated in any way with any religious group. Your religious beliefs—or lack of them—are not a subject for discussion at Al‑Anon meetings, which focus solely on coping with the effects of someone’s drinking. Here’s how one Al‑Anon member found the “Higher Power” of his own understanding.
- It will take some time to fully understand the significance of anonymity to the Al‑Anon program. But at its simplest level, anonymity means that the people in the room will respect the confidentiality of what you say and won’t approach you outside the room in a way that compromises your privacy or the privacy of anyone who attended an Al‑Anon meeting.
- The meeting will likely begin with a reading of the Twelve Steps of Al‑Anon. It will take some time to fully understand how the Twelve Steps can be a helpful tool in recovering from the effects of someone’s drinking. But Al‑Anon gives you the opportunity to grow at your own pace.
Understanding Our Approach
How Al-Anon Works
1
Embrace the Principles
Discover the foundational principles that guide Al-Anon members towards serenity and self-awareness.
2
Practice the 12 Steps
Engage with the 12-step program to foster personal growth and resilience in the face of challenges.
3
Join a Supportive Community
Connect with others who understand your journey and offer support and encouragement.
Start Your Al-Anon Journey
Ready to begin? Explore our resources and find a meeting near you to start your path to peace and understanding. Find a Meeting today and connect with a community that cares.
Your Questions About Al-Anon Answered
Explore common inquiries to better understand how Al-Anon can support you and your loved ones.
What is Al-Anon?
Al-Anon is a fellowship that provides support to friends and families of alcoholics, helping them find peace amidst the chaos.
Who can attend Al-Anon meetings?
Anyone affected by someone else's drinking is welcome to attend Al-Anon meetings, regardless of their age or background.
How does Al-Anon differ from AA?
While AA focuses on helping alcoholics, Al-Anon supports their families and friends, offering a unique perspective and support system.
Discover Support and Understanding
Are you affected by someone else's drinking? Reach out to us for guidance and join a supportive community that understands your journey. Take the first step towards peace and serenity by attending a meeting. Click below to learn more about how Al-Anon can help you.