Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Al-Anon
A twelve-step support program specifically for families and friends of people with alcohol addiction.
Full Definition
Al-Anon is a mutual aid fellowship that provides support to family members and friends of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The program follows the twelve-step model and focuses on helping participants understand that they cannot control another person's drinking but can learn to cope with the effects of alcoholism on their own lives. Al-Anon meetings are distinct from AA meetings and emphasize personal healing and boundary-setting rather than direct intervention in the addicted person's behavior.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated; distinct from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Alateen.
In Context
- "The intake assessment revealed that the client's spouse had been attending Al-Anon meetings for six months." — Clinical documentation
- "Family therapy sessions will complement the spouse's ongoing participation in Al-Anon." — Treatment planning
Also known as
Al-Anon Family Groups
Don't confuse with
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alateen