What does Al-Anon primarily support?

Al-Anon primarily supports friends and family members of individuals who are struggling with alcohol dependency. The organization recognizes that the impact of a person's drinking can affect their loved ones deeply, often leading to stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil among family and friends. Al-Anon provides a supportive environment where members can share their experiences and learn from one another, fostering resilience and understanding in coping with the challenges brought on by a loved one's drinking behavior. This focus on the support network surrounding problem drinkers sets Al-Anon apart from groups specifically aimed at addressing substance use directly.

In contrast, support groups for problem drinkers, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), focus on helping individuals recover from their drinking issues rather than addressing the needs of their family and friends. Legal advocacy or financial assistance groups do not align with Al-Anon's mission, as these organizations address different aspects of the challenges associated with alcohol dependency.