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
P.O. Box 1375
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2N2
(780) 433-1818 (24 hours) |
 |
Updated
February 25, 2007
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