Al-Anon is a Twelve Step mutual support program for people who have a loved one who is an alcoholic or problem drinker. It’s for those whose lives have been disrupted in some form or fashion by a family member, partner, or friend who drinks beyond what is considered normal drinking. Al-Anon members share their experiences, strength, and hope to each other with the intent of bringing positive changes emotionally regardless of whether their loved one seeks helps for drinking or not.
Why go to Al-Anon meetings?
If one of your loved ones is an alcoholic or problem drinker, chances are it’s affecting you in some way. Maybe your relationship is experiencing strain or emotionally you’re battling depression, anger, fear, and so on. You may be at your wits end, not knowing what to do for your loved one or yourself anymore.
Going to Al-Anon meetings can help you sort things out during this time in your life. It’s a safe place to go where you’ll be among others who understand much of what you’re going through. You’ll have freedom to share your experiences, frustrations, and fears, as well as ask questions. Though members won’t give you specific advice, they will share with you their insights and experiences based on their own life experiences.
What Al-Anon will do for you
Plenty of people begin Al-Anon meetings feeling exhausted, confused, sad, and sometimes even hopeless. They’re tired of believing their loved one will change and aren’t sure what to do anymore. They want to help their loved one get sober, but attempts have been futile. They want to experience more peace and joy, but have lost a big part of themselves due to worrying about their loved one. Al-
Anon is a safe place for those who want to worry less and experience peace and happiness more – even if their loved one continues to drink.
How to get started with Al-Anon
If you have a loved one struggling with drinking, getting started with Al-Anon is easy. Many people find comfort and strength in attending Al-Anon meetings in their community regularly. For one person, that may be attending one meeting per week. For another, that may mean attending twice a week, or once a month. You can determine how often you go and to which meetings you attend as you begin navigating your Al-Anon recovery path.
There are Al-Anon meetings in many cities across America, as well as online and virtual meetings. Electronic meetings take place via chat, email, phone, or Skype.
Al-Anon Locations in Bucks County, PA
{For Men}
Depend Upon Unity Men’s AFG
Tuesday 7:00 PM
Doylestown Mennonite Church
590 N Broad St, Doylestown, PA, 18901
{Men & Women}
Applebachsville Afternoon AFG
Friday 1:00 PM
St Paul’s Evangelical Church
837 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown, PA, 18951
Always Hope AFG
Tuesday 7:30 PM
Penn Foundation Recovery Center
807 Lawn Ave, Sellersville, PA, 18960
Basement entrance
Strength In Recovery AFG
Thursday 7:30 PM
Good Sheperd Episcopal Church
1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown, PA, 18927
Nadzieja W Przemianie AFG
Sunday 11:00 AM
Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine, Polish
654 Ferry Rd, Doylestown, PA, 18901
Indian Valley AFG
Friday 8:00 PM
Little Zion Lutheran Church
267 Morwood Rd, Telford, PA, 18969
Downstairs at end of the hallway
Genesis Adult Child AFG
Monday 7:30 PM
St Paul’s Lutheran Church
301 N Main St, Doylestown, PA, 18901
Just For Today AFG
Wednesday 7:30 PM
Salem United Church of Christ
186 E Court St, Doylestown, PA, 18901
Enter through back of church
What if I’m not ready to go?
It’s fairly normal to feel some anxiety or have some hesitation in attending Al-Anon for the first time. Almost everyone has felt that same anxiety upon their first meeting, so you’re not alone. Many people are used to trying to navigate the emotional roller coaster ride on their own, and some find it challenging to reach out and receive help.
Doing something new usually brings some anxiety to the surface, but think about all the new things you’ve been nervous about and did anyway. Think about the times it paid off to try something new, be it a job, relocation, event, etc. Al-Anon offers effective ways to cope with life with a loved one struggling with alcoholism, as well as growth opportunities in other areas as well. Rising up over the initial anxiety about attending Al-Anon is your first opportunity for growth on your very own recovery path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
· Is Al-Anon free?
Yes, you can attend Al-Anon for free. Many groups pass a basket around for those who may want to contribute something to help with any fees associated with the group, but there’s no pressure.
· What about religion?
Al-Anon does not advocate a particular religion. It’s more spiritual in nature, allowing each person to define his/her “Power greater than self” and encourages others to respect the beliefs of others who may not believe the same.
· Can I bring my loved one who is struggling with drinking?
Al-Anon is geared more for loved ones of alcoholics. You’ll get much more out of the group if you come without your loved one. Should he/she want to attend a recovery group, refer him/her to Alcoholics Anonymous.
· Is Al-Anon for teens too?
Al-Anon is geared for adults. If you have a teen who would like some support regarding a loved one who is struggling with alcoholism, there is a support group called Alateen. It’s based on the same premises, but geared more for teenagers.
· My loved one is addicted to drugs. Can I attend Al-Anon?
Al-Anon is geared more for those who are affected by a loved one’s drinking habits, but you can always visit and see if it is a fit for you. You can also visit a Nar-Anon meeting, which is geared more for loved ones of drug addicts.
· How do I know if my loved one is an alcoholic?
It’s not always easy to know for sure, but if you are experiencing issues like fear, depression, anxiety, anger, etc. based on the drinking behavior of your loved one, Al-Anon can be a helpful support system for you.
· How do I find an Al-Anon meeting?
You can use the searchable database here: http://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/. You can also call with questions about meetings: 1-888-425-2666
· Do I have to speak at a meeting?
There’s no requirement to speak at a meeting. You can listen and only share when you desire.
· How long are meetings?
Meetings last usually about an hour.
Al-Anon Resources
Newcomer Al-Anon podcasts – Here’s a series of podcasts designed especially for those who are new to Al-Anon. Find out how Al-Anon works, how you can get involved, and how it can help you.
Al-Anon manuals and guidelines
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