More Questions and Answers

Does Al‑Anon have professional counselors or therapists?

Al‑Anon offers a non-professional self-help program of recovery.

Can Al‑Anon recommend treatment centers?

Because we are non-professional, we do not recommend sources of outside help. Through sharing of our experiences, members gain insight into dealing with own situations.

Who is responsible for the group?

We all are. We elect group officers to serve for short periods of time, perhaps three months to a year. In giving service to Al‑Anon, as part of our recovery program, members volunteer to lead meetings, set up the room, display the literature and fill other group needs. At an Institutions or beginners group, experienced members lead the meeting.

Are there many groups?

There are thousands of Al‑Anon and Alateen groups in more than 110 countries around the world. We are tied together through a World Service Office (WSO) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, which acts as a clearinghouse for ideas and service. In the U.S. and Canada each group belongs to a geographic district, area and region. Group representatives in an area meet and elect delegates to the annual World Service Conference.

How much is this going to cost?

There are no dues or fees to join an Al‑Anon or Alateen group. Most groups do pass a basket at meetings and we put in what we can afford to contribute on a voluntary basis. We use the money to pay for the rent for a meeting place, to provide Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature for the group, to buy refreshments, and to support our local, area, and world-wide service centers.

Now what do I do?

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Updated 2 January 2024