Monthly Bulletin
About Al-Anon Meetings
Who is welcome?
Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend any Al-Anon meeting. You don’t need to decide whether the person is or was an alcoholic, only that your life has been affected by their drinking.
Open and closed meetings
Many professionals wish to learn about how Al-Anon may help their clients. Some meetings are open to observers and are labeled “Families, Friends and Observers Welcome.” Meetings closed to observers are labeled “Family and Friends Only.”
Why all Alateen meetings are closed
Alateen is for young people in their teens, with adult sponsors who assist them. Because teens need a confidential place, adults who are not sponsors cannot attend unless the group gives explicit permission. Any teen who qualifies for Alateen may attend any Al-Anon meeting.
How to search for different types of meetings
Although Al-Anon principles guide each meeting, each is a little different. Use the dropdown menu of meeting types at the top of the meeting list, or type a word into the general search field. Newcomers are welcome at any meeting, even if it is not designated as a beginner meeting.
How meetings are held
Al-Anon groups hold in-person meetings in houses of worship, schools, hospitals, and libraries. These groups are not affiliated with the building’s operator. Many groups meet online through video or conference calls, and some meetings are hybrid, meeting both online and in-person.
Remember to practice anonymity
Al-Anon is an anonymous fellowship. Anyone attending a meeting in person or virtually is asked to keep confidential the identities of individuals seen, and everything shared during or after the meeting.
Ready to find a meeting?
Search our directory of in-person, online, and hybrid Al-Anon and Alateen meetings across Massachusetts.