An Al-Anon Member's Concept V Appeal
PROLOGUE
The fellowship of Al-Anon Family Groups was formed about thirteen years after this chapter [in the book entitled "Alcoholics Anonymous" which contains THE AA MESSAGE] was written.  Though it is ENTIRELY SEPARATE from Alcoholics Anonymous, it uses the general principles of the AA program as a guide for husbands, wives, relatives, friends, and others close to alcoholics. This is the footnote to Chapter 8 in the AA Big Book which explains how a relative or friend can help an alcoholic to achieve sobriety.  It is worth noting, and this is important for the victims of alcoholism, that it clearly states that Al-Anon merely uses the general principles of the AA program as a guide.  It does not actually apply the AA program (ie The Twelve Steps) or place any particular emphasis on it.  In AA any group which breaks The Traditions is de-listed from the AA directory and is not entitled to be called an AA group. Al-Anon, as an entirely separate fellowship, does not care if groups break The Traditions and will list any group in the Al-Anon directory regardless of how many Traditions are flouted. This is the story of the consequences which can happen when the Traditions are not adhered to.
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