{"id":83328,"date":"2022-06-24T16:16:11","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T20:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/?page_id=83328"},"modified":"2025-10-28T10:12:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T14:12:23","slug":"newcomer-frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/newcomer-frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Newcomer \u2014 Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"244\" src=\"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer-1024x244.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer-1024x244.png 1024w, https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer-248x59.png 248w, https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer-768x183.png 768w, https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer-1536x366.png 1536w, https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer-256x61.png 256w, https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer-454x108.png 454w, https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Newcomer.png 1674w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Has your life been affected by another person\u2019s drinking? Does a friend or relative&#8217;s use of alcohol bother you? Alcoholics can go to AA for support, what about everyone else affected by&nbsp;drinking? You are welcome at Al-Anon meetings.&nbsp;Al-Anon is a mutual support group to recover from the effects of the disease of alcoholism. You will find love, understanding, and hope from the Al-Anon family group.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I belong in Al-Anon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Al-Anon exists to help families and friends of alcoholics. If you come to meetings and find relief, you belong.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is Al-Anon religious?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can anyone go to a meeting?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The only requirement for you to attend meetings is that there be a problem of alcohol in a relative or friend.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are there fees?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There are no fees for membership. Al-Anon is supported through voluntary donations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where can I find In-Person Meetings?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use this link for a list of <a href=\"\/meetings\">In-person and electronic meetings in Massachusetts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where can I find Electronic Meetings?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use this link for a list of <a href=\"\/meetings\">online and in-person meetings in Massachusetts<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use this link for a list of <a href=\"https:\/\/al-anon.org\/al-anon-meetings\/electronic-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">electronic meetings in the U.S. and internationally<\/a>&nbsp;(opens a window in a different site).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I need to speak at a meeting?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When you attend an in-person or electronic meeting you will be asked to identify yourself by giving your first name, then you can just listen. There\u2019s no need for you to say anything else unless you want to. There are no musts in Al-Anon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;m ready for a meeting, is there another online option?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connect with others and find meetings with the&nbsp;<strong>Al-Anon Family Groups app<\/strong>. Download to your mobile device for free:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/al-anon-family-groups\/id1493951058\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">App Store<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.alanon.meetings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I\u2019m a teenager, is Al-Anon for me?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alateen is designed for people aged 13 to 18. Answer these&nbsp;<a href=\"\/about-alateen\/is-alateen-for-you\/\">20 questions<\/a>&nbsp;to see if Alateen is for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/al-anon.org\/newcomers\/teen-corner-alateen\/alateen-electronic-meeting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online resources<\/a>&nbsp;(opens a window at a different site)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Download the Al-Anon Family Groups app to find Alateen meetings\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/al-anon-family-groups\/id1493951058\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">App Store<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.alanon.meetings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where can I find More Information?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For a<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>free Information packet shipped within MA, <\/strong> <a href=\"\/contact\/\">contact the Massachusetts Al-Anon office<\/a>. Call 508-366-0556 or email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:office@alanon.mystaging.online\">office@alanon.mystaging.online<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit our literature store in Westborough, Monday-Friday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/literature-store\/\">Order Online<\/a> (link to all literature)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To find a Literature Distribution Center or Al-Anon Information Service outside of MA, refer to the WSO site <a href=\"https:\/\/al-anon.org\/al-anon-meetings\/worldwide-al-anon-contacts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/al-anon.org\/al-anon-meetings\/worldwide-al-anon-contacts\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">       Recommended for those new to Al-Anon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/product-category\/english\/beginners\/\">Beginner&#8217;s Pamphlets<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comprehensive Book <a href=\"\/literature-store\/how-al-anon-works\/\">&#8220;How Al-Anon Works&#8221;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most popular <a href=\"\/literature-store\/courage-to-change\/\">daily reader<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Books and pamphlets are available for purchase at most in-person meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See what\u2019s available at your public library.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Self-assessment Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are you troubled by someone else\u2019s drinking?&nbsp; Answer these <a href=\"\/is-al-anon-for-you-twenty-questions\/\">20 questions<\/a> to see if Al-Anon can help you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did you grow up with a problem drinker? Answer these <a href=\"\/is-al-anon-for-you-20-questions-for-the-adult-child\/\">20 questions<\/a> to see if Al-Anon can help you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I have other questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speak with our helpful office staff, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM\u20134:00 PM. Call 508-366-0556. Or email <a href=\"mailto:office@alanon.mystaging.online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">office@alanon.mystaging.online<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Has your life been affected by another person\u2019s drinking? Does a friend or relative&#8217;s use of alcohol bother you? Alcoholics can go to AA for support, what about everyone else affected by&nbsp;drinking? You are welcome at Al-Anon meetings.&nbsp;Al-Anon is a mutual support group to recover from the effects of the disease of alcoholism. You will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","osh_disable_topbar_sticky":"default","osh_disable_header_sticky":"default","osh_sticky_header_style":"default","osh_sticky_header_effect":"","osh_custom_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_retina_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_sticky_logo_height":0,"osh_background_color":"","osh_links_color":"","osh_links_hover_color":"","osh_links_active_color":"","osh_links_bg_color":"","osh_links_hover_bg_color":"","osh_links_active_bg_color":"","osh_menu_social_links_color":"","osh_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-83328","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry","owp-thumbs-layout-horizontal","owp-btn-normal","owp-tabs-layout-horizontal","has-no-thumbnails"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/83328","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83328"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/83328\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":235188,"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/83328\/revisions\/235188"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alanon.mystaging.online\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}