Resources for Professionals

An Al-Anon Group is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counsellor or therapist; This support network complements and supports professional treatment. 

Al-Anon Family Groups South Africa regularly joins Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) in informative webinars which are designed for local professionals – social workers, educators, SAPS, doctors, rehabs – to inform attendees on How Al-Anon/Alateen Works, the benefits and results of the Al-Anon programme and how you can contact us to request further information, local events and how our members are helped with their recovery from the effects of living, or have lived with problem drinkers.

Professionals across the country are invited to sign up for our Professional Newsletter by emailing alanongso@iafrica.com and providing their details.

An Alateen Group is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. Alateen is not a program for young people seeking sobriety.

No advance notification or written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend.

There are no dues or fees. Groups are self-supporting, and usually pass a basket around for a voluntary contribution to pay for rent or Al-Anon literature.

Encourage your clients to try Al-Anon, even if they minimize the problem with alcohol. The 2021 Al-Anon membership survey shows that 40% of newcomers who first came to Al-Anon because of a loved one’s drug addiction and later came to better understand the seriousness of that person’s alcohol problem only after attending Al-Anon for a period of time.