Al-Anon and Alateen Group Meetings on Alcoholism – Frequently Asked Questions – Kelowna, British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Center for Alcoholism

How will going to Al-Anon or Alateen organizations or groups help addiction patients, sufferers, clients, consumers, or even students?

Adults as well as teenagers participating in Al-Anon or Alateen meetings respectively are happy to find that they’re not alone. Even when uncertain and unsure that a family member or friend’s drinking is causing and leading them to stress as well as despair, men and women going to Al-Anon or Alateen meetings will acquire and obtain information and details about alcoholism or alcohol abuse as an illness and sickness and its impact and effect on the nondrinker. They’ll also learn and find out about the importance and value of family treatment, therapy and recovery whether the alcoholic or problem drinker continues to drink or not drink. They’ll usually be in a position to identify with as well as meet others who may have had similar experiences and encounters as well as hear first-hand how members are choosing the Al-Anon/Alateen program for hope, support, assistance, help, and also to improve their life.

Is an appointment necessary?

There is no advance notification, formal or official written referral required going to an Al-Anon or Alateen group meeting. The majority of Al-Anon groups have a person to get in touch with who can be called for information and details about the group, the program in general, or for directions and instructions to a group meeting. A lot of Alateen groups or organizations meet at the same time and place as an Al-Anon group. Alateen group meetings are open only to teens and young adults. (Note: A few Alateen meetings additionally welcome pre-teen aged children)

How does an individual make a referral or recommendation?

It is helpful and useful to make the patient, individual, client, consumer, or student aware of Al-Anon or Alateen as well as their purpose. Lots of people have never heard about Al-Anon or Alateen.
Even though Al-Anon and Alateen groups and organizations follow the exact same meeting format, every group meeting is a little bit different from each other simply because attendees and topics or subjects of discussion vary and differ each and every week.

Exactly what does Al-Anon or Alateen cost a person?

There are absolutely no dues or costs, charges, fees for Al-Anon or Alateen membership. The majority of these groups have expenses and costs, and pass a basket or hat around for voluntary contributions. The funds are used to meet the group’s expenses such as rent for the actual meeting rooms, to purchase Al-Anon/Alateen literature, books and materials, to support and to aid the local Al-Anon Information Service, and also to fund the expenses and costs of the members and people who perform service and support on behalf of the group.

How does the Al-Anon Family Groups and also the Al-Anon Family Group Head office, Inc. support themselves?

With the sale of Al-Anon/Alateen literature, books, materials, literary work and as well as voluntary contributions from members, Al-Anon groups, and service and support arms. The Al-Anon Family Group Head office, Inc. and the actual Al-Anon Family Groups don’t accept or agree to grants or even funding from outside sources or places.