The disease affects all those who have a relationship with a problem drinker. Those of us closest to the alcoholic suffer the most, and those who care the most can easily get caught up in the behavior of another person.

Our personal situations may be different, but we share as equals because of what we have in common: our lives have been affected by another person’s drinking.

By regularly attending and participating in Al-Anon meetings you will find healthy, positive ways of dealing with the difficulties that result from another’s alcoholism. Even if the alcoholic continues to drink, his or her relatives and friends can achieve serenity as a result of Al-Anon.

To read about Al-Anon members’ experience dealing with the effects of the family disease of alcoholism, visit:

No appointments are necessary. Anyone concerned about someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend any meeting. Reservations or referrals are not required.

There are no dues or fees. Members make voluntary contributions because each group is self supporting and declines outside contributions. Most groups pass a basket at each meeting to help cover routine costs, such as renting the meeting room, supporting Al‑Anon services, and buying literature.

Al‑Anon is a spiritual program. Al‑Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause, representing a way of life appealing to all people of goodwill, of any religious faith or of none.

“Sponsorship is a mutual and confidential sharing between two Al‑Anon or Alateen members. A Sponsor is someone with whom a member can discuss personal problems or questions; someone who willingly shares the experience, strength, and hope of the Al‑Anon/Alateen program” (from Sponsorship, What It’s All About [P‑31]).

Anonymity helps keep the emphasis on principles that can help solve personal problems, rather than on the personal situations that might be part of the problem. No one’s social status, professional standing, or level of education matters at an Al‑Anon meeting. Confidentiality ensures that members can speak from the heart at an Al‑Anon meeting, because everything said at the meeting stays at the meeting.