Al-Anon Resources for Professionals
Al‑Anon Family Groups is a community resource that provides support to anyone affected by a relative or friend’s drinking. Currently, there are over 24,000 Al‑Anon groups and nearly 1,500 Alateen groups meeting in 118 countries.
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.
Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. Alateen is not a program for young people seeking sobriety.
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.
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.
Finding a meeting:
Find a meeting in Oregon.
Find an online meeting (US and international).
*Each Alateen meeting is limited to its teen members and adult Alateen Group Sponsor(s), unless the meeting is opened by the teens to the public or for observation by professionals or students.
Professionals are welcome to attend any Al-Anon meeting listed as an “open” meeting. “Closed” meetings are only for family and friends of problem drinkers.
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. provides resources that professionals may find helpful when supporting people who have been affected by alcoholism in the lives of friends or relatives.