Al-Anon Family Groups   Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution: does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues or fees for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through it's own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend " Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA." Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen, has been in existence for over 50 years as a community resource providing support to those affected by someone else's drinking. Today, there are over 26,000 Al-Anon and Alateen groups meeting in 115 countries. Our meetings are anonymous and confidential.    Al-Anon Is for families and friends of alcoholics Is a seperate fellowship from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Is compatible with professional treatment. Alateen Is part of the Al-Anon fellowship designed for the younger relatives and friends of alcoholics through age nineteen. Members conduct their own meetings with the guidance of an Al-Anon sponsor. Follows the same Twelve Steps, Traditions and principles as Al-Anon. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and, as such, all Alateen members are Al-Anon members, welcome at all Al-Anon meetings. Where there is no Alateen meeting it is suggested that Alateens attend Al-Anon meetings. Helping professionals are welcome to make this suggestion. Al-Anon and Alateen Members are Helped When They: Attend meetings on a regular basis. Make telephone contact with other members. Read Al-Anon/Alateen literature. Have a sponsor. Apply the Twelve Steps of recovery to their lives. Become involved in Al-Anon service work. Al-Anon and Alateen Groups Do Not: Give advice. Indulge in gossip or criticism. Discuss members religious beliefs or lack of them. Endorse or oppose any cause, therapy, or treatment.