Resources for Professionals
Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counselor or therapist. This support network complements and supports professional treatment.
Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. Alateen is not a program for young people seeking sobriety.
No advance notification or written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend.
There are no dues or fees. Groups are self-supporting, and usually pass a basket around for a voluntary contribution to pay for rent or Al-Anon literature.
Encourage your clients to try Al-Anon, even if they minimize the problem with alcohol. The 2015 Al-Anon membership survey shows that 40% of newcomers who first came to Al-Anon because of a loved one’s drug addiction and later came to better understand the seriousness of that person’s alcohol problem only after attending Al-Anon for a period of time.
A counselor refers women to Al-Anon Family Groups
Welcome to "First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery" from Al-Anon Family Groups. This podcast will discuss a professional's concern
A counselor recommends Al-Anon
Welcome to "First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery" from Al-Anon Family Groups. This podcast will discuss a professional's concern
An Addiction Psychiatrist Recommends Al‑Anon
By Jeffrey D. Roth, MD, FASAM Addiction Psychiatrist, Chicago, Illinois Editor, Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery
Treatment must include the family—not just the alcoholic
"I try to teach the families that recovery is not just for addicted individuals, but the whole family. Recovery is manifested by honesty, connectedness to others, decreased anxiety, trust and self-worth. Al-Anon allows individuals to experience recovery from the brokenness that is typical of alcoholism..."
Psychiatrist Recommends Al-Anon
Timmen Cermak, MD, Psychiatrist President, California Society of Addiction Medicine Co-founder National Association for Children of Alcoholics
From anger to action: a positive response to alcoholism
William F. Doverspike, Ph.D. Atlanta Counseling Center, Atlanta, Georgia When she first sought therapy for depression, Amy casually