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Who are the members of
Al-Anon?
Al-Anon 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
co-workers 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.
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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 a local meeting list, 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.
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Will anyone say I've been
there?
One of the Al-Anon
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.
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How much is this going to
cost?
There are no dues or
fees in Al-Anon meetings. Most groups pass a basket for voluntary
contributions. Members are asked to contribute what they can afford, so
that the group can pay rent, provide literature, and offer support to
local and worldwide service centres.
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Is this a religious
fellowship?
Al-Anon Family Groups
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 then 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.
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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 get only worse as long
as the person continues to drink. Total abstinence from drinking is the
only way to arrest the disease. 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.
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Who are alcoholics?
They could be anyone,
from all backgrounds and walks of life. Over 95 percent 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.
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How do
alcoholics affect families and friends?
Alcoholism is 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.
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How will Al-Anon help me?
Many who come to
Al-Anon 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, members
share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will
meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact
situation. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find
happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.
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How do I find a meeting?
For Al-Anon
meetings on the Cote d'Azur check the meeting list
