July 30th, 2024

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​What to Expect at Your First Alanon Meeting

You will find a compassionate and supportive group of people there.  The meeting may be in a church or office building with chairs at tables or maybe in a circle.  Some meetings are very small and some have quite a few people. You will see people bring in books known as daily readers or Al-anon Conference Approved Literature.  Some meetings the members will take turns reading out of one of readers on a selected topic. These books can be purchased at the meeting or on the WSO website. 
Al-Anon meetings follow a set format and structure to avoid surprises. That way if you go to another meeting, you can expect the same format, with little variations, most likely discussion topics, books, or chairperson. 
You will learn that in Al-Anon we like to Keep it Simple and Consistent. For example, if the meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m., it will most likely start right at that time and last for one hour. The consistency and uniformity you experience at Al-Anon meetings make it easier to participate in meetings anywhere. It is good to go to different meetings in your area so you can find the one that you feel the most comfortable. We recommend that you attend at least six meetings before deciding if Al-Anon is right for you.  It can show you a better and healthier way to deal with the difficulties of life that we face when someone we love struggles with addiction.   This is why we say, "Keep Coming Back, It Works If You Work It!"  Going to a meeting doesn't mean you have to share the intimate details of your life.  You only need to walk in and sit down. Simply by listening, you will encounter individuals who are empathetic and nonjudgmental, ready to share their experiences, hopes, and strength. Pretty soon they will be less like strangers as you recognize the shared bond and understanding among you.
​You will find a compassionate and supportive group of people there.  The meeting may be in a church or office building with chairs at tables or maybe in a circle.  Some meetings are very small and some have quite a few people. You will see people bring in books known as daily readers or Al-anon Conference Approved Literature.  Some meetings the members will take turns reading out of one of readers on a selected topic. These books can be purchased at the meeting or on the WSO website. 
Al-Anon meetings follow a set format and structure to avoid surprises. That way if you go to another meeting, you can expect the same format, with little variations, most likely discussion topics, books, or chairperson. 
You will learn that in Al-Anon we like to Keep it Simple and Consistent. For example, if the meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m., it will most likely start right at that time and last for one hour. The consistency and uniformity you experience at Al-Anon meetings make it easier to participate in meetings anywhere. It is good to go to different meetings in your area so you can find the one that you feel the most comfortable. We recommend that you attend at least six meetings before deciding if Al-Anon is right for you.  It can show you a better and healthier way to deal with the difficulties of life that we face when someone we love struggles with addiction.   This is why we say, "Keep Coming Back, It Works If You Work It!"  Going to a meeting doesn't mean you have to share the intimate details of your life.  You only need to walk in and sit down. Simply by listening, you will encounter individuals who are empathetic and nonjudgmental, ready to share their experiences, hopes, and strength. Pretty soon they will be less like strangers as you recognize the shared bond and understanding among you.
​For more Information about what happens in a Alanon Meeting Click Here.