Information for the Al-Anon Newcomer

 Al-Anon

            The members of Al-Anon and Alateen understand how it feels to come to a meeting for the first time. Since there may be a few things you are wondering about, we would like to share with you some answers to often asked questions about the group and what happens at an Al-Anon meeting.

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS AND WHY ARE THEY HERE?

            Members are all kinds of people from all walks of life; wives, husbands, lovers, sisters, brothers, children, and parents of alcoholics. No matter what our relationship has been with a problem drinker, we sharea common bond; we feel our lives have been deeply affected by another person's drinking. We meet together to share our experience, strength, and hope.

HOW WILL IT HELP ME?

           You will probably hear about a situation much like your own. If you don't find someone with the same set of circumstances, you may still be able to identify with the way many of us feel about the effects of alcoholism in our lives.  We are all individuals striving to become the best people we can each in our own way. That way is not the same for each of us, but there is help for everyone whose problem is alcoholism in others.

DO I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?

            If you wish to speak, please do.. If you would rather sit and listen, that's all right, too.  We try to listen to each other with an open mind.  We also say, "Take what you like and leave the rest."

WILL ANYONE SAY I'VE BEEN HERE?

            Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our program.  It provides a safe place for members to share. We use first names and last initials. We do not talk about the people we see, or repeat what we hear at meetings.  We guard anonymity of all Al-Anon/Alateen and A.A. members.

IS THIS A RELIGIOUS FELLOWSHIP?

            Al-Anon/Alateen is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one.  Members of any faith, or non at all, are welcome and we make it a point to avoid discussion of specific reliegious beliefs. The Al-Anon program is based on the spiritual idea that we can depend on a "Power greater than ourselves" for help in solving our problems and achieving peace of mind.  We are free to define that power in our own terms and in our own way.

More information to come next time