New to Al-Anon?
You've taken a courageous first step. Here you'll find answers to the questions most people have before their first meeting.
What Is Al-Anon?
Al-Anon Family Groups is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Al-Anon is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous, though it uses a similar Twelve Step approach. Membership is free and open to anyone — you don't need to be related to an alcoholic to attend.
93%
Said Al-Anon had very positively affected their lives
80%
Greater chance of long-term sobriety when family attends Al-Anon
75%
Reported significant improvement in their emotional state
What to Expect at Your First Meeting
A warm welcome
Members understand what it's like to walk in for the first time. You'll be greeted with kindness and without judgment.
Sharing and listening
Members take turns sharing their experiences. You are never required to speak — listening is equally valuable.
Anonymity and confidentiality
Everything shared in the room stays in the room — always. Members use first names only, and your privacy is respected at all times.
A sense of hope
Many members describe leaving their first meeting feeling less alone. Members learn to find lasting joy and peace, regardless of what the alcoholic is doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alateen for You?
Alateen is for young people ages 12–17 whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. The following 20 questions can help you decide whether Alateen is for you.
- 1Do you have a parent, close friend or relative whose drinking upsets you?
- 2Do you cover up your real feelings by pretending that you don't care?
- 3Are holidays and gatherings spoiled because of drinking?
- 4Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking or what's happening in your home?
- 5Do you stay out of the house as much as possible because you hate it there?
- 6Are you afraid to upset someone or fear it will set off a drinking bout?
- 7Do you feel nobody really loves you or cares what happens to you?
- 8Are you afraid or embarrassed to bring your friends home?
- 9Do you think the drinker's behaviour is caused by you, other members of your family, friends, or rotten breaks in life?
- 10Do you make threats such as, 'If you don't stop drinking, fighting, I'll run away'?
- 11Do you make promises about behaviour, such as, 'I'll get better school marks, go to church or keep my room clean' in exchange for a promise that the fighting and drinking will stop?
- 12Do you feel that if your mom or dad loved you, he or she would stop drinking?
- 13Do you ever threaten or actually hurt yourself to scare your parents into saying 'I'm sorry' or 'I love you'?
- 14Do you believe no one could possibly understand how you feel?
- 15Do you have money problems because of someone else's drinking?
- 16Are mealtimes frequently delayed because of the drinker?
- 17Have you considered calling the police because of the drinker's abusive behaviour?
- 18Have you refused dates out of fear or anxiety?
- 19Do you think your problems would be solved if the drinking stopped?
- 20Do you ever treat people (teachers, schoolmates, teammates, etc.) unjustly because you are angry at someone else for drinking too much?
Download the Al-Anon app for Alateen Zoom meetings.
Ready to take the first step?
Find a meeting near you or call our local answering service.