If you ask most people what Alcoholics Anonymous is, they will probably be able to identify it as an organization to help people quit drinking. But if you ask, “What is Al-Anon?” you may encounter more than a few folks who didn’t realize there are support groups for loved ones, too.
If someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, Al-Anon can offer you the support you need. To get help for your loved one, call us at Serenity Grove today or visit our Admissions page.
What Is Al-Anon?
The short answer to the question, “What is Al-Anon?” is that it is a global organization that supports people who have been negatively impacted by another person’s struggles with alcohol use disorder (alcoholism).
Of course, to fully understand what Al-Anon is, it can be helpful to learn more about the organization’s history, structure, and practices.
Let’s start by clarifying that the organization’s full, official name is Al-Anon Family Groups – though in most cases (including this post), it’s referred to simply as Al-Anon.
Most members are close friends or relatives of individuals who have developed an addiction to alcohol. The organization also serves colleagues, employers, employees, and others who have been affected by someone else’s compulsive alcohol use.
As explained on their website, “No matter what our specific experience has been, we share a common bond: We feel our lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.”
History of Al-Anon
Al-Anon was established in 1951, 16 years after the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). One of its co-founders, Lois W., was the wife of AA co-founder Bill W.
Along with one of her neighbors, Anne B., Lois sent questionnaires to dozens of family support groups throughout the world, with the goal of creating an overarching organization for loved ones of AA participants.
Six years later, in 1957, Al-Anon Family Groups registered the first Alateen group. As its name suggests, Alateen addresses the needs of younger people whose lives someone else’s alcohol use has disrupted.
The first Al-Anon World Service Conference was held in 1961 in New York, NY. This conference has been held every year since, in various locations.
Al-Anon Today
According to an Al-Anon fact sheet, there are currently more than 24,000 Al-Anon groups and almost 1,500 Alateen groups, with members in 118 nations.
Al-Anon’s World Service Office is led by an executive director and a board of trustees. The organization divides into areas, with each area containing several districts. In Georgia, where Serenity Grove is located, there are 20 geographical districts. Additionally, there is a Spanish Overlay District and an Electronic Overlay District.
Each group has a representative that serves as a liaison with the district in which the group is located. Each district also has a representative who attends area and global gatherings.
In the United States, Al-Anon operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The organization’s headquarters are in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
How Can Al-Anon Help Me?
Now that we’ve answered what Al-Anon is, let’s explore the benefits you can expect from participating.
Al-Anon shares a few characteristics with Alcoholic Anonymous, such as:
- Both are global organizations that serve people whose lives have been affected by alcohol addiction.
- Al-Anon and AA both incorporate the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions.
- Neither 12 step programs charge fees for participating in groups or meetings.
Why Do People Join Al-Anon?
The reason someone might join AA or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) is straightforward. They have become ensnared by an addiction to alcohol or another drug and need help to end their substance abuse. Through support, they can build a healthier life in recovery.
People who join Al-Anon or Alateen share at least one characteristic – they know someone who has an addiction – but their reasons for participating can vary. Potential benefits include:
- Overcoming stigma, shame, and isolation
- Connecting with other people who have been experiencing similar challenges
- Discovering the power of both offering and receiving support
- Participants talk about personal matters in a safe space, without fear of negative judgment or exposing their concerns to a wider audience.
- Developing more effective stress-management and conflict-resolution skills
- Acquiring additional information about the nature of addiction and the process of recovery
- Gaining a greater understanding of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
- Learning how to set healthy boundaries and eliminate co-dependent behaviors
Alateen offers similar benefits, provided in an age-appropriate manner for adolescents and teenagers.
The best way to determine if Al-Anon is right for you is to attend a meeting. These groups typically host two types of meetings:
- Families and Friends Only: Limited to active members
- Families, Friends, and Observers Welcome: Open to anyone who wants to learn more about the organization
Their website includes searchable lists of in-person meetings in the U.S. and throughout the rest of the world, as well as online meetings and conference calls.
Learn More About Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Georgia
If someone that you care about has developed an addiction to alcohol or another drug, Serenity Grove is here to help.
Our rehab center in Athens, Georgia, offers a full continuum of customized care, with options that include detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and outpatient services.
We also provide dual diagnosis programming for patients whose struggles with compulsive substance abuse are accompanied by anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other co-occurring mental health concerns.
At Serenity Grove, we understand the devastation that untreated addiction can wreak on individuals and families. We also know that, with appropriate care and a concerted effort, people can end their substance use. With support, they can build healthier and more hopeful lives in recovery.
To learn more about how we can help your loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
