Thanks for the advice! It's really helpful!

The chapter website should have a phone number. I would call them to make sure you get accurate information.

Some meetings may have child care but I'm assuming it would be listed on the website.

"Open" means that anyone can come. Sometimes students in human services are assigned to go to a meeting so they can go to these. "Closed" means that only friends of families of alcoholics can come.

Can't speak to the titles. It depends on the group what title they pick.

All you have to do is go to a meeting to start attending. They have similar structures but the culture may differ based on the kind of folks who attend. For example, I went to Al-Anon on a university campus which drew a different crowd from the one I attended at a Catholic prep school.

Basically, there will be a brief introduction at the beginning of the meeting at which the leader will ask if there is anyone at an Al-Anon meeting for their first time. That's when you identify yourself if you feel comfortable doing that. Then they'll ask if anyone is at this meeting for the first time. Then the meeting will address whatever the topic is that day. It usually lasts no more than an hour and people will have an opportunity to comment briefly on the topic of the day.

It will probably feel awkward the first time. Personally I hated getting all that attention as the newbie. But try at least 6 meetings to see if it works for you and to find a meeting that you like. Good luck, OP. Al-Anon has helped me deal with alcoholic family members and has also helped me in other areas of my life. Hope it helps you!

I looked in their website and only some are listed as 'open' - how do you join and start attending? Also any insight into what the titles of the group mean would be fantastic. And finally, do you know if there is ever childcare available during meetings?

Thanks