Al-Anon, << AL uh non, >> is a worldwide fellowship of the families and friends of alcoholics. Members learn that alcoholism is a disease and how it affects family life. They use this information to solve their own problems and to understand problem drinkers. Al-Anon has a teen-age division called Alateen.
Al-Anon cooperates with Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), an organization for alcoholics, but is not a branch of A.A. Al-Anon was incorporated in 1954. Its members, like A.A. members, use only their first names to ensure anonymity. Al-Anon groups work to follow A.A.’s 12 suggestions for better living, the Twelve Steps.
Al-Anon collects no dues but accepts contributions from members to cover expenses. It is not connected with any religious or other group. Al-Anon’s world service office, the Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., is in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
See also Alcoholics Anonymous ; Alcoholism .
