A Special
Welcome to Newcomers
For
some of us, Al-Anon was a last resort: we were in pain, we were desperate, some
of us had abandoned hope. We came to our first meeting, and we kept coming, to
find relief from the terrible pain we had grown so accustomed to feeling. We
knew that our suffering was related to someone else's drinking and we knew we
were unable to lead a normal life because of it.
Al-Anon's simplicity is reflected in the tools of the program: the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the Serenity Prayer, slogans, sponsorship, Conference-Approved Literature, The Forum magazine, and the special gift of Al-Anon/Alateen members' sharing from the heart. These simple tools help us cut through all the negativity and confusion, reminding us that beyond our individual differences is a spiritual core that unifies us and helps us find serenity. This is what makes us better and this is what keeps us coming
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.
You
Wanted to Know...
Al-Anon
members share with you what it is like to come to a meeting for the first time.
There may be a few things you are wondering about. We are often asked about the
groups and what happens at meetings. If you have questions, feel free to ask a
member when you come to a meeting.
Who
are the members and why are they here?
Members
of Al-Anon are all kinds of people from all walks of life: wives, husbands,
lovers, sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, parents,
and coworkers of alcoholics. No matter what our relationship has been with a
problem drinker, we share a common bond: we feel that our lives have been
affected by another person's drinking. We meet together to share our
experience, strength and hope.
How
will it help me?
You
will probably hear about a situation much like your own. If you don't find
someone with the same set of circumstances, you may still be able to identify
with the way many of us feel about the effects of alcoholism on our lives. We
are all individuals striving to become the best people we can, each in our own
way. That way is not the same for each of us, but there is help for everyone
whose problem is another's alcoholism.
What
do you talk about in Al-Anon/Alateen meetings?
There
are countless topics for sharing and discussion in our meetings. The meeting
chairperson chooses readings from our Conference Approved Literature on the
Twelve Steps or Traditions, or on specific topics related to alcoholism such as
anger, fear, conflict, relationships, people-pleasing, healing, control,
happiness, or communication ... the list is endless.
Members share their experience, strength, and hope with respect to the meeting topic. Individual members may talk about their growth in a particular area or how they have applied the principles of our program to their own lives in helping to solve their common, everyday problems.
In Al-Anon, we keep the focus on ourselves. This means that we do not give one another advice nor do we spend our meeting time talking about the alcoholic. We focus on our own growth and well-being.
There are two general types of Al-Anon meetings: open and closed. Open meetings are open to anyone who is interested in learning about Al-Anon or the effects of one's alcoholism upon the people around them. Closed meetings are open to members and to anyone who feels that they may have been affected by another's alcoholism.
Do I
have to say anything?
No.
If you would rather sit and listen, you are free to do so. We try to listen
with an open mind by practicing the slogan, Listen and Learn. We also say
"Take what you like and leave the rest." The group chairperson will
call on those who wish to share.
Will
anyone say I've been here?
We
are urged to respect each other's anonymity. We use first names only and do not
talk about the people we see, or repeat what we hear at meetings. We guard the
anonymity of all Al- Anon/Alateen and AA members. We abide by "Who you see
here and what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here". We
leave our titles and occupations outside the meeting room door because we come
together as equals to solve our common problem: the effects of another's
alcoholism upon our lives.
Is
this some kind of religious fellowship?
No. Al-Anon is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one. Members of any faith, or none at all, are welcome and we make it a point to avoid discussions of specific religious beliefs. The Al-Anon program is based on the spiritual idea that we can depend on a Power greater than ourselves for help in solving our problems and achieving peace of mind. We are free to define that power in our own terms and in our own way.
Anyone wishing more information is welcome to call:
|
Edmonton
Al-Anon Information Service |
|
|
Updated March
24, 2012 |
