How much is this going to cost?
There are no dues or fees in Al-Anon and Alateen meetings. Most groups pass a basket for voluntary contributions. Members are asked to contribute what they can afford, so that the group can pay rent, provide literature, and offer support to local and worldwide service centers.
Is an appointment needed?
No advance notification or formal written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. You can contact the number listed for information about the group, our program in general, or for directions to a meeting. The meetings are on a walk-in basis. Al-Anon has no membership list, and does not take attendance. You’re welcome to attend as frequently or infrequently as you choose. There is never any obligation.
Is this a religious fellowship?
Al-Anon Family Groups is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one. We avoid discussion of specific religious doctrine, and members of all faiths (or of none) are welcome. Our Twelve Steps ask us to find a “Power greater than ourselves” who can help us solve our problems and find serenity. Each member is free to define that power in his or her own way.
Do I have to say anything at the meeting?
It is your choice to speak or not during the meetings. Newcomers are welcomed to meetings and invited to listen & learn. Members are available to answer questions before or after the meetings.
Are the children in a family affected by alcoholism?
As a family disease, alcoholism affects children as much as adults. Children often experience confusion, guilt, fear and a sense of loss. In addition, children have even less control over their environment than adults.
My friend/loved one is a drug addict. Can I go to an Al-Anon meeting?
The Al-anon fellowship is open to anyone who has experienced problems because of addiction in a relative or a friend. The primary focus of Al-Anon is to solve the common problems experienced by families and friends of alcoholics. However, you are welcome to attend Al-Anon meetings to see if you can relate to what people talk about, and then decide if the Al-Anon program might be helpful to you.
Can I bring the alcoholic with me to the meetings?
Al-Anon is not a program for finding or maintaining sobriety. It is a program to help the families of alcoholics recover from the effects of someone else’s drinking.
Apart from meetings, what other help does Al-Anon offer?
We provide literature (books and leaflets) on a wide variety of topics related to dealing with alcoholism and the principles of Al-Anon. Members often find that our literature helps to reinforce the benefits gained from meetings. You can buy these online from al-anon.org or from one of our members.

Al-Anon Helpline

   Talk to a member in confidence
   7 days a week
   Free-phone

Contact Us

Al-Anon Family Support Groups

Dubai:
Shivani: +971 55 118 8532
Nicky: +971 58 546 0509
Alton: +971 58 594 3611

Email us: alanonuae@gmail.com

Alateen:
Elle: +971 52 268 9042

Useful Links

For free daily readings:
www.todays-hope.com

For free al-anon podcasts:
www.therecoveryshow.com

Alcoholics anonymous UAE:
www.aauae.net

What is Al-Anon?

Al-Anon is a group for people who are worried about someone with a drinking problem; who gather together to share experience, strength and hope with each other. It was started in the USA in the late 1930s and has since spread to different countries in the world. Al-Anon is non-religious, non-political and multi-racial. Al-Anon is available, free of charge, to anyone who is or has been affected by someone else's drinking, including adult children of alcoholics, parents, partners, spouses, other relatives and friends of alcoholics.

Who Are Al-Anon Members?

Al-Anon members are people just like you and me–people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking.

ALATEEN:

What is Alateen? Young people aged 8-19 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength and hope with each other. Alateen is a place where members come together to:

  • Share experiences, strength, and hope with each other to find effective ways to cope with problems.
  • Discuss difficulties and encourage one another
  • Help each other understand the principles of the Alateen program through the use of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

Alateen is not a place:

  • For teenagers seeking help for drinking or drug problems or a therapy program
  • To complain about parents or anyone else.
  • A social hangout.

How does Al-Anon work?

There is no magic formula that enables you to help someone stop—or cut back—on his or her drinking. Alcoholism is a complex problem, with many related issues. But Al‑Anon can help you learn how to cope with the challenges of someone else’s drinking.

It may be that you could help matters by changing some of your own behaviors and finding a healthier way to respond to these challenges. Again, there are no easy answers.  But Al‑Anon meetings offer the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar problems.

While simple problems may have simple solutions, the solution to complex problems is more difficult to explain. Al‑Anon simplifies a complex problem by suggesting a “One Day at a Time” approach, which takes things one step at a time.

At every Al‑Anon meeting, you can hear people explain how Al‑Anon worked for them. That may be the best place to start to learn about Al‑Anon—One Day at a Time.

Al‑Anon members come to understand problem drinking as a family illness that affects everyone in the family. By listening to Al‑Anon members speak at Al‑Anon meetings, you can hear how they came to understand their own role in this family illness. This insight put them in a better position to play a positive role in the family’s future.

Some research shows that when problem drinkers enter a recovery program, their chances for success are improved when they are supported by family members who are in a family recovery program such as Al‑Anon.