Newcomer Information
The members of an Al-Anon Family Group share with you what it is like to come to a meeting for the first time.
We are often asked about the group and what happens at our meetings. If you have questions, feel free to ask a member to
answer them now, or the next time you come. And please do come back.
Who are the members and why are they here?
Members are people from all walks of life. They are wives, husbands, lovers, sisters, brothers, children, parents, friends
or colleagues of alcoholics. No matter what our relationship has been with a problem drinker, we share a common bond: we feel
our lives have been deeply affected by another person's drinking. We meet together to share our experience, strength and hope.
How will it help me?
You will probably hear about a situation much like your own. If you don't find someone with the same set of circumstances, you
may still be able to identify with the way many of us feel about the effects of alcoholism on our lives. We are all individuals
striving to become the best people we can, each in our own way. That way is not the same for each of us, but there is help for
everyone whose problem is alcoholism in others.
Do I have to say anything?
No. If you would rather sit and listen, you are free to do so. We try to listen with an open mind. We also say, "Take what you
like and leave the rest." The group chairman will call on those who want to express an opinion , ask or answer a question.
Will anyone say I've been here?
We urge you to respect one another's anonymity. We use first names only; we do not talk about the people we see, or repeat what
we hear at meetings. We guard the anonymity of all Al-Anon / Alateen and AA members.
Is this some kind of religious fellowship?
No. Ours is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one. Members of any faith, or none at all, are welcome and we make it a
point to avoid discussions of specific religious beliefs. The Al-Anon programme is based on the spiritual idea that we can depend
on a power greater than ourselves for help in solving our problems and achieving peace of mind. We are free to define the power
in our own terms and in our own way.
Who runs this group?
We all do, but to maintain order and allow for its smooth functioning, we elect group officers to serve for short periods of time,
perhaps three months to a year. We all volunteer to help serve refreshments and to clear up.
Are there other groups like this?
Yes. Ours is one of many thousands of Al-Anon and Alateen groups in over 100 countries around the world.
How much is this going to cost?
There are no fees to join an Al-Anon or Alateen group. Most groups do pass a basket at meetings and we put in what we can afford
to contribute on a voluntary basis. We use the money to pay the rent for the meeting place, to provide Al-Anon literature for the
group and to support services – both local and throughout the UK & Eire.
Now, what do I do?
We found it helpful to go to meetings, to talk to others, before and after meetings, and to exchange phone numbers with a
willing member with whom we can confidentially share our problems. After a while, you may wish to ask a longtime member to be
your sponsor - a special friend, with whom you can continue sharing your personal feelings. Between meetings, you can read
Al-Anon / Alateen books and pamphlets and our magazine News and Views. We offer you friendship and understanding. Please keep
coming back.
Other pamphlets which may be of help:
- So You Love an Alcoholic
- Alcoholism, The Family Disease
- Understanding Ourselves and Alcoholism
- How Can I Help My Children?
- To the Mother and Father of an Alcoholic
- Does She Drink Too Much?
- Al-Anon is for Men
- Al-Anon Sharings From Adult Children
- A Merry-Go-Round Named Denial
