FAQs about Al-Anon
What is alcoholism?
Many leading medical authorities throughout the world recognise alcoholism as a chronic, progressive disease. We believe it is a family disease and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
What is Al-Anon?
Al-Anon Family Groups is an organisation for the relatives and friends of alcoholics, who share their experience, strength and hope with each other in order to solve their common problems. Al-Anon has one purpose: to help the families and friends of alcoholics. Anonymity is an important principle of the Al-Anon programme.
What is the purpose of anonymity and how does it work?
We protect the individual’s anonymity by using first names. We protect each other’s confidentiality so that we can talk openly about our situation. We protect the anonymity of the alcoholic at all times.
How long has Al-Anon been in existence?
Al-Anon has been offering hope and help to the families and friends of alcoholics since 1951. There are over 24,000 groups worldwide.
Who can be a member of Al-Anon?
Anyone whose life is or has been deeply affected by someone else’s drinking.
Are the children in the family affected by alcoholism?
Yes. They experience many of the same feelings that adults do, including a sense of loss, confusion and guilt.
Helpline 020 7403 0888
I had a permanent knot in my stomach and I didn't seem able to function properly doing normal, day-to-day things. I tried looking for help but couldn't seem to find what I was looking for. I didn't think anyone else could understand what I was going through. I didn't know I was suffering from the effects of someone else's drinking.
As the drinking progressed, so did the disasters and it was only after a culmination of them that we both hit our 'rock bottom'. We decided to separate and to try to sort ourselves out. It was during this time that my husband found the help he needed in Alcoholics Anonymous and I was to find mine a few months later in Al-Anon.
What a relief it was for me to finally be with people who understood exactly where I was coming from, who had experienced similar instances, feelings and thoughts to my own. Al-Anon helped me to understand that I hadn't caused my husband's alcoholism, that I could never have controlled it and that I would never have been able to cure it. It had to run its course, until he wanted to stop. No badgering, cajoling or persuading on my part could every have worked. Attending Al-Anon meetings had made me realise just how many families are affected by a loved one's drinking.