Al-Anon, which includes Alateen, is a worldwide organization with a membership of some half million men, women and young people. The programme provides an accessible community resource, helping anyone who is deeply affected by the family disease of alcoholism. Al-Anon has a very special part to play for families whose alcoholic members are achieving sobriety through the AA programme. Through participation in Al-Anon's programme, family members are able to obtain a recovering and growing experience parallel to that of the alcoholic. Al-Anon is also helpful for families where the alcoholic does not want to stop drinking. They, too, are surrounded by warmth, understanding, concern and support while recovering. Al-Anon came to Norway in 1960, and today there are 40 groups.