“Let It Begin with Me”: Inside an Al-Anon Meeting

Al-Anon is an international organisation that runs a structured 12-step programme to help the loved ones of alcoholics with their mental health.

Please note that this episode includes an interview that makes reference to substance abuse. You can contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s Counselling Hotline on 0800 567 567.

Show Notes

To learn more about Al-Anon and joining, see the information below.

Visiting Al-Anon

Annalise shows the Cape Town office.
A look at the meeting table.
meeting table chairs
This is the usual set-up for an Al-Anon meeting, with a table for the chairperson (who is rotated each meeting) to read from.
Al-Anon is a structured programme with literature in leaflets and books.

Do You Want to Join Al-Anon?

To join a newcomers’ meeting online, where the programme is introduced to prospective members, you can contact Al-Anon Cape Area:

Al-Anon meetings are held across the country in-person and online. Once you’ve found a group near you, contact the regional office to join.

Find an al-anon group

Al-Anon Literature

books
These are the four main readers that Al-Anon members read.

As you’ll hear in the episode, most meetings include a reading from one of the Al-Anon books. These books are also read by Al-Anon members in their daily lives. They’re available on the Al-Anon online store.

More Mental Health Support Available

  • South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s Counselling Hotline: 0800 567 567 (toll-free and 24/7)
  • Ke Moja WhatsApp Chat Platform: 087 163 2025 (available 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week)
    This is an initiative of SADAG and the Department of Social Development.

Transcription

You can access a transcription here.