Al-Anon
FAMILY GROUPS
Maryland &
District of Columbia
Area 24
Literature
Since its founding in 1951, Al‑Anon Family Groups has published more than 100 books and pamphlets that share a single purpose: to help family and friends recover from the effects of someone else’s drinking. This literature supplements the face-to-face meetings where Al‑Anon members share their insights and experiences with each other.
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Al‑Anon/Alateen literature is most fully understood when used in conjunction with other tools of the program. The books and pamphlets can strengthen your recovery, but they cannot substitute for the help and healing that takes place at Al‑Anon meetings in the context of a complete recovery program.
See more information and contacts below.
Additional Materials
About Al-Anon Literature
Conference Approved Literature (CAL)
Al-Anon/Alateen conference approved literature are the daily readers, books, pamphlets and a monthly magazine, The Forum, all published by Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., World Service Office for Al-Anon and Alateen. They offer us the comfort in knowing we are not alone and that our situation is not unique. Conference Approved Literature (CAL) contains many readings written and chosen by members of the Al-Anon program, which offer wisdom, strength, and hope through shared experiences and stories of personal growth and recovery. Some publications focus on specific aspects of dealing with alcoholism, while others provide guidance to members on how to work the program. The daily readers offer a collection of daily meditations.
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All CAL is designed to follow the principles of Al-Anon which include the concept of neutrality and respect for the personal beliefs of all individuals in the program.
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Sample Chapters of Al-Anon Literature
Why CAL Materials?
The World Service Conference approves recovery literature that reflects the group conscience of Al-Anon Family Groups.To keep Al-Anon’s message in focus, it is suggested that only Al-Anon/Alateen Conference Approved Literature be displayed, distributed,and used at Al-Anon and Alateen meetings, conferences and conventions.These tems reflect an informed group conscience. Conference Approved Literature provides a unified view of Al-Anon/Alateen to professionals, other individuals,and outside agencies.
Key Topics
of Al-Anon Literature
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How to use and understand The Al-Anon Family Groups Program
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Learning about the effects of alcohol on the alcoholic and other people
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How to recover from the effects of someone else’s drinking
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Marriage and alcoholism
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How to improve our lives through emotional and spiritual growth (non-religious materials)
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How teenagers can improve their lives when affected by someone else’s drinking
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How people attending Al-Anon meetings can help to improve Al-Anon
The Forum
"A meeting in your pocket"
The Forum is the international monthly magazine in which Al-Anon and Alateen members share their experience, strength and hope, as well as practical information on how to practice the Al-Anon program and how to carry its message to others. It is “The Voice of the Fellowship,” a forum where individual members and groups can be heard.
Subscribe Online
Printable Order Form
Popular Titles
One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
An Al-Anon classic! Inspirational readings relate Al-Anon philosophy to everyday situations, helping to make each day better than the one before. 384 pages.
Courage to Change: One Day at a Time in Al-Anon II
More daily inspiration from a fresh, diverse perspective. Insightful reflections reveal surprisingly simple things that can transform lives. 384 pages.
Lois Remembers
Lois W., a co-founder of Al-Anon recalls the eventful years before and after the founding of AA and Al-Anon.
Paths to Recovery- Al-Anon's Steps, Traditions, and Concepts
Shares love, compassion and challenge; the experience, strength and hope of Al-Anon members’ personal growth experiences worldwide. Long awaited and asked for — at last, an in depth study of Al-Anon’s Three Legacies.
The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage
Help for the spouse in dealing with problems in alcoholic relationships. Discusses anger, communication, sex, and more. Indexed, softcover. 102 pages.
From Survival to Recovery: Growing Up in an Alcoholic Home
Al-Anon adult children tell their stories. Explores the long-term effects of being raised with alcoholism, and why Al-Anon can help. Indexed. 303 pages.
Opening our Hearts, Transforming our Losses
Explores how Al-Anon principles have helped us to acknowledge, understand, and accept the losses we have experienced as a result of someone else’s alcoholism.
Discovering Choices
Explores the many facets of our recovery in relationships. Drawing on the experience, strength, and hope of hundreds of members, it sheds light on how alcoholism has affected many different types of relationships in many different ways.
How to Order
Most meetings offer complimentary literature to newcomers, and offer books and pamphlets for sale.
You can order such literature online through the World Service Organization at: http://ecomm.al-anon.org/shop or you can purchase through any of the Maryland / DC area distribution centers listed below.
Washington AIS Literature Depot Center
202-635-2023
Contact: Sarah S
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Baltimore AIS Literature
Contact: Kim D
phone: 443-243-8390. email: alanonliteraturedepot@gmail.com
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Eastern Shore
Contact: Ruth C
443-235-0300
Shipping costs when ordering through a local distribution center/depot may be less expensive.