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.
Thanks for your question. Many Al-Anon meetings are full of spouses of alcoholics, whether in recovery or inactive alcoholism. While a Men’s Al-Anon group is not specifically dedicated to spouses, the likelihood is greater that there will be men with alcoholic wives. You may find that once you understand some of the tools of the Al-Anon program, they are applicable to any situation. Choosing a sponsor to help with personal situations may provide additional insight. It is recommended to try several different meetings to find one in which you feel comfortable and hopeful. Use the available filters to find meetings… Read more »
Are there a specific group for men with alcoholic wives that I could search and find?
Thank you for highlighting the Men’s Newcomer Packet and the pamphlets available to me. As a member of the fellowship for a bit more than 6 years, I have heard from several male members whose first meeting happened to be 100% women. We all share a common problem, but the more we can halp a newcomer feel he (or she) is in a “safe place” the better it is, for them and for us.
I’ve been in Al-Anon for 28 yrs now, it helped save my life & my brother’s life, today’s date is 11/23/2025 stay with it, you’ll be glad you did. Welcome aboard.