Information for the Newcomer
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.
From: The Suggested Preamble to the 12 Steps
*Preamble is copyright by Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA
Al-Anon is an anonymous program. It is one of the main principles of Al-Anon that who attends meetings and what is said at meetings is held in strict confidence and anonymity.
ANONYMITY
Keeping with our traditions, anonymity is the spiritual principle on which our programme is based.
We respectfully ask that no Al-Anon, Alateen, or AA member be identified by full name or picture in published or broadcast reports, including those on the Internet.
The assurance of anonymity is essential to our efforts to help families and friends of alcoholics, so that they know Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are safe places to share and ask for help.
We will appreciate the media’s co-operation in this matter.
Q. Will anyone say I’ve been there?
One of the Al-Anon program’s basic principles is that of anonymity. Meetings are confidential, and we do not disclose whom we see or what we hear at meetings to anyone.