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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.

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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.

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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.

Sunrise over the Wheat Field

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.

Orange Blossom
Dramatic Dew Drops

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.

White Flowers

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.

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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.

HYBRID 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: 9/25/2024

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

Email: helpandhopesatam@gmail.com

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): (607) 374-1189

Access code: 189821#

In-Person:

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

We meet in the Parish House in the Small Fellowship Hall. Go up the steps from the parking lot to the main level. (Elevator available if needed). Go past the offices on the right, past the elevator and stairway on the left, past the restrooms on right, and through the main parish hall. Go through the doorway and the small parish hall is on the right with double doors.

(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

Tuesday 5:30 PM (Hybrid)

Virtual:

(607) 374-1189

Access code is 189821#

In-Person:

West Creek Serenity AFG

Hope Church

12445 Patterson Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23238

Tuesday 7:00 PM

Tuesday Night Adult Child AFG

https://zoom.us/j/98495819134

Meeting ID: 984 9581 9134

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

Directions: Turn onto Custis Road off of Chippenham Parkway, and take an immediate left into the church parking lot entrance -  it’s a steep hill .  Cross the parking lot to the building on the far side and enter using the door next to the large “Welcome to St. Lukes Lutheran Church” sign.  The room is the second room on the right.

7757 Chippenham Parkway

Richmond, Virginia 23235

Email: gratefulwednesday@gmail.com

IN-PERSON MEETINGS

Modern Desk

UPDATED 9/25/2024

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Panel Meeting - Joy of Service: Experiencing Growth & Recovery Through Service

  • Hosted by: Just for Today AFG

  • Tuesday, October 29th, 10:30am to 11:30am

  • Unity Church of Bon Air, 923 Burford Road, Richmond, VA 23235

  • For any questions about this meeting, contact JustForTodayRVA@gmail.com

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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://us06web.zoom.us/j/82685654124?pwd=L1I0ZkVKeGFsdFdVMTUxZi93ZG5tQT09

Meeting number: 826 8565 4124
Passcode: 596046

One tap mobile:

+13017158592,,82685654124#,,,,*596046# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,82685654124#,,,,*596046# US

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

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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RESOURCES

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.

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