Who Can Join Al-Anon or Alateen Through BhamAlAnon?

Updated

You can join if you have a relative or friend with a drinking problem. BhamAlAnon, which serves Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, and St. Clair Counties in Alabama, states that the only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. You do not need a formal diagnosis, a referral, or any connection to the person's treatment. If someone close to you drinks in a way that affects your life, you meet the stated requirement.

Who the groups are for

Al-Anon describes itself as a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share experience, strength, and hope to solve common problems. The group treats alcoholism as a family illness and holds that changed attitudes can aid recovery.

Members come from every walk of life and every kind of relationship. According to the site, members include husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, grandparents, great-grandparents, and close friends of alcoholics. The shared bond is healing from the effects of another person's drinking, so you will likely find someone in a similar situation regardless of your specific relationship to the drinker.

Alateen

Alateen is the program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members. The same membership requirement applies: a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.

What membership does not require

  • No dues. The site states there are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through voluntary contributions.
  • No affiliation. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution. It does not engage in controversy and neither endorses nor opposes any cause.
  • No commitment to a belief system or cause. The stated purpose is singular: to help families of alcoholics through practicing the Twelve Steps, welcoming and comforting families, and giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.

What to expect at a meeting

Meetings are held at local schools, churches, and hospitals, seven days a week, both day and night. They offer a safe place to talk about dealing with the effects of alcoholism in a friend or loved one.

All meetings start at a specific time, and most last about an hour. Some have no formal closing time, and you can come in or leave at any time. If you are unsure whether Al-Anon is right for you, the site invites you to email with questions before attending.

How to decide

Your situation Fits the stated requirement?
A parent, child, sibling, spouse, grandparent, or close friend drinks problematically Yes — a relative or friend with a drinking problem is the only requirement
You are a young person affected by someone else's drinking Yes — consider Alateen, sponsored by Al-Anon members
You want to understand what happens before attending Read the meeting questions on the site or email the group
You are looking for a political, religious, or advocacy organization No — Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution

If you live in or near Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, or St. Clair Counties and recognize yourself in any of the relationships above, the next step is to find a meeting time that fits your schedule and attend one. You can also email the group first if you have questions.