Newcomers to Al-Anon
Welcome to Al-Anon – we are so glad you found us!
Hope and healing for family members and friends of alcoholics…
We who live, or have lived, with the problem of alcoholism understand as perhaps few others can. We too, were lonely and frustrated, but in Al-Anon we discover that no situation is really hopeless and that it is possible for us to find contentment, and even happiness, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.
We urge you to try our program. It has helped many of us find solutions that lead to serenity. So much depends on our own attitudes, and as we learn to place our problem in its true perspective, we find it loses its power to dominate our thoughts and our lives.
The family situation is bound to improve as we apply the Al-Anon ideas. Without such spiritual help, living with an alcoholic is too much for most of us. Our thinking becomes distorted by trying to force solutions, and we become irritable and unreasonable without knowing it.
The Al-Anon program is based on the Twelve Steps (adapted from Alcoholic Anonymous), which we try, little by little, one day at a time, to apply to our lives, along with our slogans and the Serenity Prayer. The loving interchange of help among members and daily reading of Al-Anon literature thus makes us ready to receive the priceless gift of serenity.
Anonymity is an important principle of the Al-Anon program. Everything that is said here, in the group meeting and member-to-member, must be held in confidence. Only in this way can we feel free to say what is in our minds and hearts, for this is how we help one another in Al-Anon.
Al-Anon recommends that you try at least six (6) different meetings before you decide if the program will be helpful to you and if a group will be a good match for you.
3 Obstacles to Success in Al-Anon
All Al-Anon discussions should be constructive, helpful, loving and understanding. In striving toward these ideals, we avoid topics that can lead to dissension and distract us from our goals.
01
Discussions of religion
Al-Anon is not allied with any sect or denomination. It is a spiritual program, based on no particular form of religion. Everyone is welcome, no matter what affiliation or none. Let us not defeat our purpose by entering into discussions concerning specific religious beliefs.
02
Gossip
We meet to help ourselves and others learn and use the Al-Anon philosophy. In such groups, gossip can have no part. We do not discuss members or others, and particularly not the alcoholic. Our dedication to anonymity gives people confidence in Al-Anon. Careless repeating of matters heard at meetings can defeat the very purpose for which we are joined together.
03
Dominance
Our leaders are trusted servants; they do not govern. No member of Al-Anon should direct, assume authority or give advice. Our program is based on suggestion, interchange of experience, and rotation of leadership. We progress in our own way and pace. Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony.
Looking for a meeting in Ontario South?
Meetings are available online or in-person
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al-Anon?
Al-Anon is a program for those people whose life have been affected by another person’s drinking. It’s a mutual support group where we can find understanding and share our common experience with each other. It’s an opportunity to move forward on a path of recovery from the effects that the illness of alcoholism has on us.
How do I know if a loved one or a friend drinks too much?
As per Tradition 3, the only requirement for membership in Al-Anon is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. Some signs that Al-Anon may be the right place for you is that you are obsessing or trying to control someone else’s drinking. You may be feeling sad, lonely, angry or anxious due to someone else’s drinking. If you are still unsure, you can take the Al-Anon 20 Question Questionnaire
How do I find a meeting in Ontario South?
There are in-person, in-person with an electronic component (hybrid) and electronic meetings available. To search for one in your area click here
Is Al-Anon religious?
No. Al-anon is a spiritual program based on no particular form of religion. Everyone is welcome, no matter what affiliation or none. We do not discuss religion in Al-Anon. While you may hear the word ‘God’, the Twelve Steps encourage you to find ‘a power greater than yourself’. How you define that is up to you.
What if I see someone I know?
Anonymity is the foundation of Al-Anon. Whom you see, what you hear, and what is discussed in a meeting stays in that meeting. It is a safe space for you to share your experience with people who have had similar experiences.
Learn more about Newcomers in the worldwide fellowship of Al-Anon
Contact Us
Here\’s how you can contact us for any questions or concerns.