Many people are familiar with the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) fellowships however fewer people are aware of Al-Anon and Alateen.

Al-Anon, and Alateen are a worldwide fellowship that offers a programme of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or even seeks help.  When someone is struggling with alcohol, quite often close family members and friends can be deeply affected by the experience.

Al-Anon Family Groups meet in over 130 countries worldwide to help families and friends of problem drinkers recover from the impacts of a loved one’s drinking. Members help each other by practicing the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous themselves, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

Al-Anon was co-founded in 1951, some 16 years after the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous by Anne B and Lois W (wife of AA co-founder Bill W).  Before the formation of Al-Anon, independent groups of families of alcoholics met often and soon the fellowship was founded in its own right.

Al-Anon adopted the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for their use word for word with the exception of the Twelfth Step.  Its name derives from the first parts of the words Alcoholics Anonymous.  Alateen, which is part of Al-Anon, began in California in 1957 when a teenager named Bob joined with five other young people who had also been affected by the alcoholism of a family member.  Alateen is designed specifically for younger relatives and friends.

Both Al-Anon and Alateen work similarly to Alcoholics Anonymous in that members attend regular meetings and work through a Twelve Step programme of their own.  Meeting are free and usually quite small compared to other fellowships.

Here at Step One Recovery we understand the impact alcoholics can have on their families and social circles.  Our team of experienced therapists and counsellors work with clients extensively to help them recover, with the primary aim to achieve sobriety.  If you think you have a problem with alcohol and would like more information about how Step One Recovery can help you (and your family) contact us today for a free assessment.