Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon members provide one another with mutual support, by sharing their experiences with each other at an Al-Anon meeting. 

Al-Anon meetings are a safe place where you can talk about your own concerns and feelings. If you don’t feel able or willing to talk, that’s OK too. Whatever your story or background, you won’t be judged.

We also offer literature about various aspects of alcoholism and the Al-Anon principles, which include the Twelve Steps. Many Al-Anon members choose to apply these principles in their own lives but there is never any pressure to do so.

Listening to the shared experiences of others may help you find the confidence you need to deal with the effects of someone else’s drinking. You are not alone and it is possible to rediscover happiness. It is suggested that you attend at least six meetings before you decide if Al-Anon is for you.

Whatever your relationship with the drinker, even if they have stopped drinking, left the family or died, you are welcome to attend Al-Anon.

Your anonymity is protected by using first names only. You will not be asked to reveal your surname or any other details about your identity or that of the drinker. Anything discussed within an Al-Anon meeting is treated as confidential, including your presence at the meeting.

There are approximately 700 groups (in-person and online) throughout the UK and Eire.

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

What we are not

Al-Anon is not a therapy group. We don’t offer counselling or advice. We are not a religious organisation and welcome those of all faiths and none. We discourage discussion about religion, politics and other outside topics.

How do I get help

We want to make it as simple and easy as possible for you to get to a meeting where you will find others who have also had family members or friends who are problem drinkers.

The minimum age requirement for attending Al-Anon meetings is 18. Alateen is for young people 12 to 17 years inclusive.

The best way to find out what Al-Anon is all about and how we can help you is to attend a meeting. You can either use our ‘Find a Meeting’ tool or call our helpline.

Is Al-Anon for you?

Al-Anon could be for you if:

• You regularly feel hurt, embarrassed or distressed by the drinker’s behaviour.

• You dread holidays and special occasions because you are worried that someone’s drinking will ruin them.

• You find yourself covering up for the actions of a drinker.

• You often prefer to stay away from home rather than spend time with the drinker.

• You discourage friends and other family members from visiting because of the drinker’s behaviour.

• You are ‘walking on eggshells’ because you fear you might set off a drinking bout or angry outburst.

• You have considered calling the Police because of a drinker’s behaviour.

• You feel everything would be OK if the alcoholic stopped drinking.

Is your life disrupted by someone’s drinking?

The alcoholic’s behaviour can disrupt your home life. You may be experiencing:

• Missed or irregular mealtimes.

• Late or disrupted bedtimes.

• Money problems.

• Missed appointments and social occasions.

Do you get the support you need at home?

Do you find yourself:

• Covering up your feelings, pretending you don’t care.

• Feeling you are unloved or not cared for.

• Blaming yourself, other members of the family, friends or life circumstances for the drinker’s behaviour.

Did you grow up with a drinker?

Did you grow up with parents, siblings or even a close family friend who was a drinker? If you did, you could still be suffering as a result of those experiences.

Whether your relationship with a drinker is in the past or present, Al-Anon is for you.

Are you feeling helpless?

Al-Anon can help you find a different way of coping with your relationship with an alcoholic. Al-Anon is here for you either as a first port of call or when you feel you have run out of ideas and have nowhere else to turn.