Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics.

If you are concerned with someone else's drinking, the Al-Anon program can help you.

Al-Anon was founded by families of alcoholics who had found sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, many Al-Anon/Alateen members, regardless of age or relationship to the alcoholic, are finding serenity despite a friend or family member with an active drinking problem.

From the beginning we learn that we are powerless to control an alcoholic's drinking. This is a fact that must be accepted before we can progress with the program. Until we stop trying to control, we will continue to live with the frustration that made us seek Al-Anon. Once we learn to let go of the problem, the loving concern and help of other members will provide strong support to help us understand what the Al-Anon program can do for us.

There is a message of hope in the Welcome used at Al-Anon meetings. Along with the Preamble to the Twelve Steps which follows, it gives a clear picture of Al-Anon's way of helping.

 

Most meetings start with the Serenity Prayer.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.