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Al-Anon

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit corporation
Industry Mental health, crisis intervention (alcoholism)
Founder Anne B.
Lois W.
Headquarters Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
Revenue US$ 4,761,781 (2012)
US$ -283,887 (2012)
Total assets US$ 9,960,631 (2012)
Total equity US$ 8,048,631 (2012)
Website www.al-anon.org

Al-Anon/Alateen, Al-Anon Family Groups and Al-Anon are different names for a "worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help."Alateen "is part of the Al-Anon fellowship designed for the younger relatives and friends of alcoholics through the teen years".

Al-Anon defines itself as an independent fellowship with the stated purpose of helping relatives and friends of alcoholics. According to the organization, alcoholism is a family illness. Its "Preamble to the Twelve Steps" provides a general description:

The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

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. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.

Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

Not an intervention program, Al-Anon does not have the stated primary purpose of arresting another's compulsive drinking. Members meet in groups. Meetings are usually small (five to twenty-five); in larger meetings, members often split into smaller groups after the opening readings so everyone has a chance to speak.

Many Al-Anon family group meetings begin with the "Suggested Al-Anon/Alateen Welcome", which starts:


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