Information for Professionals

Information for Professionals

Dear Professionals,

Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counselor or therapist; This support network complements and supports professional treatment.

Al-Anon Family Groups, which include Alateen for teens struggling with someone else’s problem drinking, has been in existence for over 62 years as a community resource providing support to those affected by someone else’s drinking. Today, there are over 25,000 Al-Anon Alateen groups meeting in 131 countries. Our meetings are anonymous and confidential. There are no dues or fees for membership

Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers.

No advance notification or written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend.

There are no dues or fees. Groups are self-supporting, and usually pass a basket around for a voluntary contribution to pay for rent or Al-Anon literature.

Encourage your clients to try Al-Anon, even if they minimize the problem with alcohol. The 2009 Al-Anon membership survey shows that nine out of ten newcomers who first came to Al-Anon because of a loved one’s drug addiction later came to better understand the seriousness of that person’s alcohol problem only after attending Al-Anon for a period of time.

Al-Anon Family Groups have always cooperated with the professional community. Members of the caring professions have frequently referred people in need to Al-Anon and Alateen. The support and understanding people find at Al-Anon meetings complements and reinforces the care that professionals provide

Thirty-six percent of Al-Anon members report that a professional influenced their decision to attend their first Al-Anon meeting. Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are compatible with all types of counseling and medical treatment.

For further information check the meetings page or contact http://www.al-anon.org/pdf/Prof_writerGuide.
You can also write to gso.alanon.india@gmail.com for more information.

Any individual can join Al-Anon if he or she is troubled by another person’s drinking.
If you are unfamiliar with Al-Anon and are wondering whether Al-Anon might be helpful for you take a look at our ‘Is Al-Anon for You?’ page.
This is the official website of Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups of India.