The Twelve Steps, originally published by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939, provide a recommended, step-by-step course of action for physical, mental, spiritual and mental recovery from alcoholism. Examples of restricted meetings are those held at a juvenile detention center, jail, domestic abuse shelter or group home. Restricted meetings: Some meetings are closely restricted and attendees require special clearance or permission by the facility sponsoring the meeting. Alateen meetings are open only to teens and children who have been affected by the alcoholism of another person. It isn’t necessary to have a friend or family member with a drinking problem in order to attend open meetings.Ĭlosed meetings: On the other hand, while closed Al-Anon meetings aren’t actually “closed,” people without an alcoholic loved one are asked not to attend, and the same goes for people who aren’t willing or able to abide by the organization’s confidentiality guidelines. Open meetings: Anybody is welcome to attend open meetings, including doctors, counselors and other interested professionals as well as students and people who are simply curious about learning more about the program. In some situations, meetings may be restricted. However, meetings may be designated as open or closed. There are no membership dues and the organization is self-supporting through voluntary contributions. Like adult meetings, Alateen groups provide confidential support and encouragement while helping young people understand the Twelve-Steps.Īl-Anon is available free of charge to all friends and family of alcoholics. The Al-Anon fellowship also sponsors Alateen which is a fellowship of young members, primarily teenagers, who have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Many meeting locations are handicapped-accessible, and some provide babysitters for members with young children. The program is beneficial for friends and family of problem drinkers, even if the alcoholic doesn’t acknowledge the problem or isn’t ready to seek help.Īl-Anon meetings are often formed for particular groups such parents, adult children, men, women or LGBT individuals. The goal of Al-Anon isn’t to provide interventions or convince a loved one to stop drinking, but an opportunity to get together and share common experiences and much-needed mutual support.

NovemLove and Relationships, Parent Resources - 0 CommentsĪl-Anon Family Groups, commonly known simply as Al-Anon, is a confidential program for families and friends of alcoholics.

Al anon brochure