Al-Anon

Al-Anon offers understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.

Alateen, a part of Al-Anon, is for young people aged 12-17 (inclusive) who have been affected by someone else's drinking, usually that of a parent.

The parents, children, wives, husbands, friends and colleagues of alcoholics could all be helped by Al-Anon and Alateen whether or not the drinker in their lives recognises that a problem exists.

At Al-Anon group meetings members receive comfort and understanding and learn to cope with their problems through the exchange of experience, strength and hope. The sharing of problems binds individuals and groups together in a bond that is protected by a policy of anonymity. Members learn that there are things they can do to help themselves and indirectly to help the problem drinker. Changed attitudes, which come from greater understanding of the illness, may result in the drinker seeking help.

Al-Anon is self-supporting through members' voluntary contributions and the sale of its literature.

The groups are non-professional and have no religious or other affiliations and no opinions on outside issues.