Question 1

What is Al-Anon?

Accepted Answer

Al-Anon, or Al-Anon Family Groups, is a free, anonymous fellowship for people whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. It is not for the drinker, that is AA, but for their family and friends. The only requirement is that someone else's drinking is, or has been, a problem for you.

Question 2

Is Al-Anon for me if the person is now sober, or no longer in my life?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Al-Anon is for anyone affected by another person's drinking, past or present, whether they are still drinking, sober, or no longer around. You come for your own peace of mind, not to change them.

Question 3

What are the Three Cs?

Accepted Answer

The Three Cs are a well-known Al-Anon idea: you didn't cause it, you can't control it, and you can't cure it. They remind you that another person's drinking is not your fault and not yours to fix.

Question 4

What is the difference between Al-Anon and AA?

Accepted Answer

AA is for people who want to stop drinking. Al-Anon is for the family and friends affected by someone else's drinking. They are separate fellowships, and many families find AA helps the drinker while Al-Anon helps them.

Question 5

Is there help for young people, like Alateen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alateen is part of Al-Anon, for younger people, usually teenagers, affected by someone else's drinking, with trained adult members present. Al-Anon can help you find an Alateen meeting.

What Al-Anon is, and who it's for.

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