Al-Anon is...
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help.
WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF AL-ANON AND ALATEEN?
Al-Anon and Alateen members are people just like you and me–people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking. They are parents, children, spouses, partners, brothers, sisters, other family members, friends, employers, employees, and coworkers of alcoholics. No matter what our specific experience has been we share a common bond: we feel our lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Alcoholism is a family disease. The disease affects all those who have a relationship with a problem drinker. Those of us closest to the alcoholic suffer the most, and those who care the most can easily get caught up in the behavior of another person. We react to the alcoholic’s behavior. We focus on them, what they do, where they are, how much they drink. We try to control their drinking for them. We take on the blame, guilt, and shame that really belong to the drinker. We can become as addicted to the alcoholic, as the alcoholic is to alcohol. We, too, can become ill.
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity; To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.
ABOUT
The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery.
Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions.
Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.
How CAN AL-ANON HELP?
Many who come to Al-Anon/Alateen are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help.
In Al-Anon and Alateen, members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.
WHAT DOES ANONYMITY MEAN TO AL-ANON?
One of the Al-Anon program’s basic principles is that of anonymity. Meetings are confidential, and we do not disclose whom we see or what we hear at meetings to anyone.
HOW MUCH DOES AL-ANON 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 IT RELIGIOUS?
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.
ARE YOU TROUBLED BY SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINKING?
Millions of people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close.
The following questions are designed to help you decide whether or not you need Al-Anon:
1. Do you worry about how much someone else drinks?
2. Do you have money problems because of someone else’s drinking?
3. Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking?
4. Do you feel that if the drinker cared about you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
5. Do you blame the drinker’s behavior on his or her companions?
6. Are plans frequently upset or canceled or meals delayed because of the drinker?
7. Do you make threats, such as, “If you don’t stop drinking, I’ll leave you”?
8. Do you secretly try to smell the drinker’s breath?
9. Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
10. Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker’s behavior?
11. Are holidays and gatherings spoiled because of drinking?
12. Have you considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse?
13. Do you search for hidden alcohol?
14. Do you ever ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking?
15. Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
16. Do you feel like a failure because you can’t control the drinking?
17. Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved?
18. Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker?
19. Do you feel angry, confused, or depressed most of the time?
20. Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, Al-Anon or Alateen may be able to help.
ELECTRONIC MEETINGS
Al-Anon's World Service Office (WSO) is aware that at this time many Al-Anon and Alateen groups have chosen to or been asked to suspend meetings as part of public health initiatives aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) in our communities.
An alternative to local meetings are electronic meetings. These include online and phone meetings. Please find below a list of Richmond Area Electronic Meetings. Additional online meetings can be found here.
We are grateful for your cooperation, patience, and understanding as we continue providing the services our members rely on and as we adapt to this situation, one day at a time.
Updated: 5/28/2023
Saturday 9:00 AM (Hybrid)
Help & Hope AFG
Virtual:
https://vaalanon.webex.com/vaalanon/j.php?MTID=mac015cabb8a4a16773dc37df670c984e
Meeting number: 476 199 929
Password: 057-029-AFG112
[ Passwords and links are case-sensitive, and you must type the hyphens. ]
Or Join by phone (audio only - press * 6 on your phone's dial pad to MUTE and UNmute):
+1-415-655-0003 US Toll
Access code: 476 199 929
Then hit the # key.
And then hit the # key a second time when prompted for the Attendee ID.
In-Person:
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
7757 Chippenham Pkwy
Richmond, VA 23235
Saturday 9:00 AM (Hybrid)
Saturday Serenity
Virtual:
https://join.freeconferencecall.com/saturdays
Online meeting ID: saturdays
Dial-in number (US): (425) 436-6346
Access Code: 4266185#
In-Person:
Christ Church Episcopal - Education Bldg Room 202
(Note: According to Church policy, masks are required.)
5000 Pouncey Tract Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Saturday 9:00 AM (Hybrid)
Ashland AFG - Literature
Virtual:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83981703088?pwd=bDI4VmNhWmYvSUtrMDNPNUwzODgyZz09
Meeting ID: 839 8170 3088
Passcode: Serenity
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,83981703088#,,,,,,0#,,15152375# US (New York)
+13017158592,,83981703088#,,,,,,0#,,15152375# US (Germantown)
Meeting ID: 839 8170 3088
Passcode: 15152375
In-Person:
First Baptist Church
800 Thompson St
Ashland VA
Back of building entrance, Upstairs Room 233
Monday 5:30 PM (Hybrid)
The Light of Serenity
Virtual:
Dial-in number (US): (712) 770-4035
Access code: 189821#
In-Person:
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
(Note: According to Church policy, masks are required.)
6000 Grove Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23226
Monday 6:00 PM (Hybrid)
Ashland AFG - Chair brings topic
Virtual:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87953774665?pwd=aWpncFZVaFNNeGxGVW15ZTlMRzVrUT09
Meeting ID: 879 5377 4665
Passcode: Serenity
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,87953774665#,,,,,,0#,,86473877# US (New York)
+13017158592,,87953774665#,,,,,,0#,,86473877# US (Germantown)
Meeting ID: 879 5377 4665
Passcode: 86473877
In-Person:
First Baptist Church - Rear of building, upstairs in Room 233
800 Thompson St
Ashland, VA 23005
Monday 7:00 PM
Came to Believe
Zoom Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6056157926
Waiting room enabled (no need for password)
Meeting ID: 605 615 7926
Tuesday 7:00 PM
Tuesday Night Adult Child AFG
https://zoom.us/j/265257873?pwd=UFRMbGtCVlV0ckM2b0UvbmdnUXowdz09
Meeting ID: 265 257 873 (No password)
For inquiries: tuesdaynightacafg@gmail.com
Wednesday 12:00 PM (Noon; Hybrid)
Grateful Wednesday
Virtual:
https://vaalanon.webex.com/vaalanon/j.php?MTID=maff3b55af0ce8cd3a0e49569c8378602
Meeting Number: 2316 555 3849
Password: 057-029-AFG562 (password is case sensitive and you must type the hyphens)
Or Join by phone (audio only - press * 6 on your phone's dial pad to MUTE and UNMUTE)
+1-415-655-0003 US Toll
Access code: 231 655 53849
Then hit the # key.
And then hit the # key a second time when prompted for the Attendee ID.
In-Person:
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
7757 Chippenham Parkway
Richmond, Virginia 23235
Thursday 11:00 AM
Hope and Serenity AFG
Free conference call: 978-990-5077
Enter code: 1464371#
Thursday 7:00 PM (Hybrid)
Bound to Improve AFG
Virtual:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86142354460
Meeting ID: 861 4235 4460
Phone only: (301) 715-8592 ID: 86142354460
In-Person:
Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church - enter through parking lot entrance
(Note: According to Church policy, masks are required.)
7000 Park Avenue
Richmond, VA 23226
UPCOMING EVENTS
Virginia Alateen Sponsor Training/Recertification Workshop
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Saturday, June 24th, noon to 2pm
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This is a virtual event. Registration is REQUIRED.
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New sponsors will receive all necessary forms for certification
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Seasoned sponsors will share their experience, strength and hope and will receive recertification.
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Open discussion to learn how to use the Al-Anon tools to make and keep Alateen meetings healthy and chairs filled
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Review of Area Safety and Behavior Requirements:
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Alateen sponsor criteria:
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At least two years in Al-Anon
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At least 23 years old
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No felony record
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To register, contact Lisa R. at 540-325-9476 or lisavaalateen2022@yahoo.com
Districts Meeting Info
The Richmond Virginia region is comprised of three Al-Anon Districts.
Richmond North District Meetings
Hosted by 2-VAWSC
Occurs the first Wednesday of every month from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Eastern Time
https://vaalanon.webex.com/vaalanon/j.php?MTID=m402ff01c371a7588fd5f3a8b3c496eaa
Meeting number: 2302 594 6300
Password: 057-020-RVANorth
Or Join by phone (audio only - press * 6 on your phone's dial pad to MUTE and Un-mute)
+1-415-655-0003 US Toll
Access code: 230 259 46300
Then hit the # key.
And then hit the # key a second time when prompted for the Attendee ID.
Email the DR, Chris at drrvanorth@gmail.com for info.
James River South District Meetings
Hosted by 2-VAWSC
Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022 6:15 pm | 1 hour | Eastern Time
Occurs the first Tuesday of every month from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM, Eastern Time
https://vaalanon.webex.com/vaalanon/j.php?MTID=mc953ab091b3354c7664eaea64c1b645c
Meeting number: 2308 335 4124
Password: 057-JRSouth
Or Join by phone (audio only - press * 6 on your phone's dial pad to MUTE and UNmute)
+1-415-655-0003 US Toll
Access code: 230 833 54124
Then hit the # key.
And then hit the # key a second time when prompted for the Attendee ID.
At this time, we are also meeting in person quarterly - June, Sept, Dec, Mar- Email the DR, Sue at drjamesriversodistrict@gmail.com for location info
Southside District Meetings
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Hybrid & In Person: West End Baptist Church, 6506 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23803
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For Virtual Information, please email Cindy L: Southside23DR@gmail.com
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District meetings take place on the 3rd Saturday of odd-numbered months (Jan, Mar, May, etc.).
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For more information about what's happening in the Southside District visit: https://sites.google.com/view/afgsouthside23/
CONTACT
Submit new meetings, meeting updates, event flyers, etc. to the respective email addresses below. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response and subsequent updates.
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Richmond North District: drrvanorth@gmail.com
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James River South District: drjamesriversodistrict@gmail.com
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Southside District: Southside23DR@gmail.com
RESOURCES
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Al-Anon Family Groups: 1-888-4Alanon
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Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
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1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617
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WSO (World Service Office) website: al-anon.org/
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Virginia Area website: vaalanon.org/
DISCLAIMER
Al-Anon Richmond does not support or endorse Wix. This platform was used for free and with approval of the group conscience. All information was correct as of the last website update.