Professionals
How Al-Anon/Alateen cooperates with professionals
You do not need a formal referral for your client…
We welcome you to browse our website for more information about our services. Meeting information is listed here
Local Al-Anon Information Services (AIS) are usually listed in your telephone directory or by searching for Al-Anon online.
Al-Anon can arrange speakers and literature at conferences, workshops and other meetings (at schools, institutions, and other facilities).
You are welcome to attend open meetings (whether a meeting is open or closed is shown in the meeting details). Open meetings welcome observers, friends, and families of alcoholics. We welcome you to speak to any of our members at those meetings for more information. Special events are usually “open”.
Our regular “closed” meetings are only open to relatives and friends of alcoholics; this helps create and maintain a safe place for those who have been directly affected by another person’s drinking.
Al-Anon recommends that a newcomer 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.
Looking for a meeting in Ontario South?
Meetings are available online or in-person
3 Obstacles to Success in Al-Anon
All Al-Anon discussion 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.
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.
What does ‘family disease’ mean?
The American Medical Association and many other authorities around the world agree that alcoholics suffer from an illness over which they have no control. Compulsive drinking also affects the drinker’s relationships. Those around them react and try to control what can’t be controlled. Feelings of anger, anxiety, guilt, obsession and denial are all common in Al-anon. Our thinking becomes distorted and unreasonable without knowing it. Our lives become unmanageable. Drinking affects the whole family.
What do I do if I think someone should attend an Al-Anon meeting?
Pamphlets and other literature are available at meetings. The Newcomers package, questionnaire and business cards are a good starting place for those who have not yet been to a meeting. You can find an in-person, hybrid or electronic meeting here
Can I attend meetings to learn more?
Al-Anon regularly holds Closed and Open meetings. Closed meetings are only available to those who suffer from a relative or friend’s drinking. However, anyone can attend Open meetings. There are also special events that are typically open. You can search for meetings and events on our website.
Learn more about the role of the professional in Al-Anon
Contact Us
Here’s how you can contact us for any questions or concerns.