Welcome and Guidelines

In order to achieve our group purpose, to help families and friends of alcoholics, we work towards upholding Al-Anon principles, Traditions and Guidelines.

Page 93 in the Al-Anon service manual states:

"A symptom of alcoholism in the home may be the abuse of drugs by family members. Occasional discussion of this topic is acceptable at an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting as it may be one of the results of living with alcoholism.

However, our responsibility is to ensure Al-Anon's survival as a resource for families and friends of alcoholics. By focusing on these drug related problems, we risk being diverted from Al-Anon's primary aim. Referral to appropriate sources of help may be suggested to those in need." "Many individuals come to Al-Anon seeking help. If these individuals determine they have not been affected by a problem drinker, they may be informed of our Third Tradition which states in part, "the only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend."

Tradition 5: "Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics."

It has been our experience that recovery progresses at a faster rate when we share our experience, strength and hope, with each other. To help ourselves and others, we encourage members to freely and openly participate in our discussions.

When subscribing, new members are asked to introduce themselves and briefly share on what brought them to Al-Anon. This introduction will be sent to the group when you are subscribed, unless you state in your message that you prefer not to be introduced or to not have your introduction message sent to the group.

There are no right or wrong answers. Your recovery is your own. This process helps us to give you a warmer welcome as well as to help protect our members confidentiality and anonymity.

Experience has also shown us that recovery in Al-Anon may require more than on-line communicating. We have found that attendance at regular local Al-Anon meetings is extremely beneficial to our recovery.

How to Join
If you feel our Al-Anon group is for you, we invite you to become a member. Here are some instructions and help.

Our Group Conscience
The Group Conscience Committee was set up on April 16, 1998 to allow those interested in the business side of our Al-Anon to discuss business without interrupting sharing on our regular list.

About CAFG
We have a weekly topic, chosen by a Group Chair who rotates monthly. The topics are usually based on a step or tradition that changes monthly.