Has only one requirement for membership -- each member has been affected by someone else's drinking.

Is an anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who meet to share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems; adult children of alcoholics, parents, partners, spouses, co-workers, etc., can all find help in Al-Anon.

Is a separate fellowship from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Al-Anon is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions adapted from AA.

Is nonprofessional, self-supporting, nondenominational, multiracial, apolitical, and is available almost everywhere.

Is part of the Al-Anon Fellowship designed for the younger relatives and friends of alcoholics through age eighteen.

Members conduct their own meetings with the guidance of an Al-Anon sponsor.

Follows the same Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and principles as Al-Anon.

To learn the facts about alcoholism as an illness and how it has impacted their lives physically and emotionally.

To benefit from contact with others who have similar problems.

To improve their own attitudes and behaviors through the study and practice of the Twelve steps and Twelve Traditions.

Attend meetings on a regular basis.

Make telephone contact with other members.

Read Al-Anon/Alateen literature.

Have a sponsor.

Apply the Twelve Steps of recovery to their lives.

Become involved in Al-Anon service work.

Give advice.

Indulge in gossip or criticism.

Discuss members' religious beliefs, or lack of them.

Endorse or oppose any cause, therapy or treatment.

Through the voluntary contributions of members; there are no dues or fees for membership.

And does not accept any outside fund, grants or donations.

The identity of all Al-Anon and Alateen members, as well as members of Alcoholics Anonymous, is protected.

Confidentiality is allowed to develop from a sense of trust and honesty.

The focus is on spiritual principles, not personalities, which leads to a fellowship of equals.