Al-Anon and Alateen are self-help recovery programs for people who believe their lives may have been affected by someone else's drinking. We come together to find help and support in dealing with the effects of alcoholism on our lives. The single purpose of these programs is to help families and friends of alcoholics, whether the alcoholic is drinking or not.

  1. >Newcomers Welcome
  2. > Find a Meeting
  3. >Current Events

Answers to the Frequenly Asked Questions

  1. Why the name Al-Anon?
    2. The name Al-Anon is built on two words that are a big part of our program. The “Al” comes from the word Alcoholic. We have all been affected by someone else’s drinking. This is what brings us together. The “Anon” comes from the word Anonymous. Our program is Anonymous so it ensures confidentiality, a key ingredient in our recovery. This is why Al-Anon is hyphenated and the letter A’s are capitalized.
  2. So what exactly does the term service mean?
    3. Service is defined as: the work performed by one that serves; contribution to the welfare of others. Service in Al-Anon is just that with an additional aspect, service in Al-Anon also contributes to our own recovery.
  3. Why does a group need to be involved in service?
    4. A group not active in Al-Anon Service can be compared to someone suffering with the effects of Alcoholism and not attending Al-Anon. Coming to Al-Anon broke the chains of isolation and gave us the tools to recover. We became part of the Al-Anon Family.
    Service ensures that the group remains a healthy, active member of the Al-Anon Family Groups. We grow from supporting each other. Thinking we could do it alone is what brought us to Al-Anon, why would a group decide to “do it alone”? It just isn’t healthy.
  4. What is an Al-Anon Alateen Service Manual?
    5. It is a manual designed to answer questions that Al-Anon members have about what is, and is not, appropriate for Al-Anon and Alateen groups. It was introduced in 1992 and is updated every other year. It ensures that the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service are protected. It answers just about any service question you can think of. Each group receives a free copy at every update. It is sometimes held by the Group Representative while others leave it with the group for reference. Individual members (or groups) can purchase additional copies at the Literature Distribution Centre in Calgary or from our World Service Office (WSO) at: www.Al-Anon.org.
  5. Should our Group be receiving mail from World Service Office?
    6. Yes! World Service Office has regular mailings to all active Al-Anon Groups throughout the year. If the mail is returned as undeliverable they remove the group from the mailing list until updated information is received. The group is still considered active.
  6. How do I know if my group’s address is correct with World Service Office?
    7. If your group is receiving mail from World Service Office, it is current.
  7. How do I update our group’s contact information?
    8. Your Group Representative is asked by their District Representative to verify their contact information 2 times each year. The District Representatives relay this information to the Area Group Records Coordinator, and they in turn keep the World Service Office advised of any changes. If you do not have a Group Representative, or a District Representative, you can provide your group’s changes to Area Group Records at grouprecords@al-anon.ab.ca. This can be done at anytime and will update your records with WSO, Area Secretary, Area Newsletter and the ACSOA (Literature Centre). Inquire to this e-mail for the proper form for changes. You can also register a new group in this manner.
  8. How is Al-Anon Structured?
    9. Everything begins with individual Al-Anon members and grows from there. An oversimplified view of our structure is as follows:

    Individual Al-Anon Member
                        
                     Group
                        
                     District
                        
                       Area
                        
            World Service Office
  9. What is a Group Representative / Group Rep / GR?
    10. It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to represent the group at District and Area Assembly. They are your group’s voice when decisions regarding Al-Anon are made. They are elected for a three year term. The three year term is the same for all Al-Anon groups in Canada and the United States. A group is part of a District.
  10. How do I know who the Group Representative is in the group I attend?
    11. Ask the Chairperson if they know who the Group Representative is or who you could ask. If they don’t know, ask a long time member of the group or someone active in service. If no one within the group knows check with your District Representative. A list of meetings, and which District they belong, can be found in the What is a District? FAQ.
  11. What if there is no Group Representative?
    12. Contact your District Representative and discuss the matter. They will give you the necessary information to assist you.
  12. What is an Alternate Group Representative / Alternate Group Rep / Alt Group Rep / Alt-GR ?
    13. It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to represent them at Al-Anon Information Services. They facilitate the exchange of Al-Anon information from the group to the city level and from the city level to the group. This could be announcing Al-Anon events, speaker meetings, anniversary meetings, etc. The Alternate Group Representative is responsible to fulfill the Group Representative’s duties if they are unable to do so.
  13. How do I know who the Alternate Group Representative is in the group I attend?
    14. Ask the Chairperson if they know who the Alternate Group Representative is or who you could ask. If they don’t know, ask a long time member of the group or someone active in service. If no one within the group knows check with your District Representative. A list meetings, and which District they belong, can be found in the What is a District? FAQ.
  14. What if there is no Alternate Group Representative?
    15. Contact your Group Representative and discuss the matter.
  15. What is a Group Treasurer ?
    16. It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to handle the group’s financial obligations and advise the group on a regular basis of the group’s financial situation. The group must authorize all disbursements of money. The Treasurer is responsible to carry out those requests. The term of the position and election process is up to the group. This position also exists at District, Al-Anon Information Services, Area, World Service and special committees created for one time events i.e. workshops. In areas above the group level the Treasurer is elected and serves a term similar to the Group Representative’s position.