For many of us, walking into that first meeting felt uncomfortable. We were trying to make sense of why our loved ones behave the way they do. We wondered if anyone could truly understand what we’d been through. That experience is no different for men. In fact, it may feel even more challenging if most in the room are women who already seem to know each other. It takes courage to stay.

According to Al-Anon’s 2024 Member Survey, 11.9 percent of respondents identified as male. These numbers show that men are finding their way to Al-Anon and receiving the support they need. We may be fewer in number, guys, but we are not outsiders—and we are not alone!

Talking about what’s really happening at home doesn’t come easily to any of us, and for many men, it can be especially difficult. That’s why resources like the Men’s Newcomer Packet (K‑23) are so important. It includes Al‑Anon Is for Men (P‑1), Does She Drink Too Much? (P‑62), and other pamphlets that offer help in coping with the effects of the family disease of alcoholism. Having this literature available at meetings and sharing it with men lets us know that we, too, can be heard and understood, and reminds us that they we belong.

The Forum, November 2025

“Inside Al‑Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.