The hard copy edition of the 2026-2029 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual is in stock!
Every Al‑Anon and Alateen member is encouraged to actively use and study this Manual. It gives a clear and concise picture of the Al‑Anon fellowship, its purpose and functions, and how it helps us to resolve group problems and maintain unity.
The digital version is available here:
Al-Anon 2026-2029 Service Manual (online version)
Service manual – pdf version
The Rochester AIS Center maintains a stock of Conference Approved Literature (CAL) and is a registered Literature Distribution Center (LDC) with the World Service Office (WSO). Purchasing literature from our AIS Office helps fund public outreach programs.
You can order literature from the book depot 3 ways:
1 – Call (585-288-0540) during business hours:
Monday – 10 am – Noon
Tuesday – Noon – 2 pm
Thursday – 9:30 – Noon
Friday – 11 am – 1 pm
Saturday – By Appointment Only
(updated May 9, 2026)
2 – Email your order to the book depot
3 – Mail your order to:
2507 Browncroft Blvd. Ste. 101
Rochester, NY 14625
Make checks payable to: AIS Rochester
AIS Rochester Literature Order Form click here
NEW! Excel format fillable Literature Order Form – Click on the download button below
Additionally, literature is often available at Area Assemblies and other local Al-Anon/Alateen events.
WSO – Al-Anon’s Free Downloadable Items
WSO – Conference Approved Literature (CAL)
WSO S-15 Literature Catalogue.
This gives a full description of all CAL literature with pictures
AIS Rochester Literature
Order Form click here
NEW! Excel format fillable Literature Order Form – Click on the download button below
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual
Subscribe to the Forum online
The Forum is an international monthly publication of Al-Anon Family Groups, that offers help and hope for the families and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon and Alateen members share their challenges, insights, and progress along their path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. The magazine also includes topics for discussion at meetings as well as news and information from Al-Anon’s World Service Conference and World Service Office.
Suggested Conference Approved Literature (CAL) reading list by topic:
Choosing a Daily Reader
Choosing a Workbook
From Denial to Acceptance
Detachment
For Parents & Grandparents
For those who grew up with Alcoholism
Issues of Control
Sponsorship
The Concepts
The Traditions
Choosing A Daily Reader
All Daily Readers are indexed by topic. So, they can be read “by the calendar” or you can use the index to look up any particular topic which may be of interest.
One Day at a Time in Al-Anon (B-6)
This is our original daily reader – published when most Al-Anon members were the wives of recovering alcoholics. Yet, its wisdom has stood the test of time, still applicable today to a variety of relationships.
Alateen – a day at a time (B-10)
Positive sharing’s provide daily help for teens, and former teens. If you have not yet included Alateen Conference Approved Literature (CAL) in your reading, this book is a great starting point.
Courage to Change – One Day at a Time in Al-Anon II (B-16)
Daily inspiration from a fresh, diverse perspective. Sharing’s come from members with a variety of relationships with the alcoholics in their lives.
Living Today in Alateen (B-26)
Alateen’s second daily reader features more recent sharing’s for teens and pre-teens in recovery.
Hope for Today (B-27)
Daily sharing’s from Al-Anon’s adult children members are for anyone who wants to grow in acceptance, compassion and understanding.
A Little Time for Myself (B-34)
Al-Anon’s latest daily reader shares the personal experiences and many voices of the Al-Anon fellowship today, illustrating that Al-Anon is indeed for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking.
Al-Anon Workbooks
Did you know that Al-Anon offers four (4) workbooks? Workbooks can be used to work through Al-Anon material on your own, with a Sponsor, or with a small group. Workbook questions can also be a good source for fresh meeting topics. Choose from the following to select a workbook to add to your program of recovery!
Blueprint for Progress: Al-Anon’s Fourth Step Inventory (P-91)
Workbook for conducting an in-depth inventory. Includes reflections and inventory questions on 22 aspects of personal growth, such as anger, control, fear, finances, honesty, intimacy, sex, spirituality, and more!
This workbook can also be a great source to introduce any of these themes as the topic for a meeting. Also lists and describes Character Traits, which can be a useful tool for Steps Six and Seven. Checklist included.
Reaching for Personal Freedom (P-92)
Living the Legacies. A workbook for using Al-Anon’s Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Service in one’s personal life. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction followed by personal stories of how members have applied each Legacy to their personal lives. Questions address each personal story.
Paths to Recovery Workbook – A Companion for Studying Al-Anon’s Steps, Traditions and Concepts (P-93)
The Paths to Recovery book (B-24)
Features in depth chapters focusing on each of our 36 Legacies. Each chapter includes stories submitted by members, along with a list of thought-provoking questions. The workbook contains the questions from the book, with space to write your answers.
Alateen’s 4th Step Inventory (P-64)
Keeping it simple, for members of any age. This approach to the 4th Step was developed for Alateens, yet anyone is welcome to participate. This inventory has a section for each of the following: Attitudes, Self-Esteem, Love, Responsibility, Feelings and Relationships. Also includes a list of character traits and a section on continuing to take personal inventory in Step 10.
CAL: From Denial to Acceptance
Alcoholism, a Merry-Go-Round named Denial (P-3)
This is an Al-Anon Classic. This pamphlet represents the life of an alcoholic as a play. While the alcoholic may appear to be the star of the show, this pamphlet emphasizes the other members of the cast and their opportunities to instigate change. Introduced 50 years ago (1969), yet just as relevant today!
Understanding Ourselves and Alcoholism (P-48)
This tri-fold pamphlet includes a surprising amount of insight in such a brief format. This describes the obsession, addiction, compulsion and denial of the alcoholic, as well as the obsession, anger, denial and feelings of guilt of the loved ones. Help and Hope is available in Al-Anon.
Opening Our Hearts, Transforming Our Losses (B-29)
This book explores coping with the types of loss that are faced by those who love an alcoholic. The journey from Denial to Acceptance is not only part of the Recovery process; it is also part of the grieving process. Chapters include “Lost Childhood”, “Lost Dreams”, and “Lost Relationships”, along with the loss associated with divorce or death. Each chapter includes stories submitted by members as well as questions for reflection or discussion.
In All Our Affairs: Making Crisis Work for You (B-15)
This book, updated in 2005, features an emphasis on the steps, organized around the “3 A’s” (Awareness, Acceptance, Action) . Members reveal how they applied Al-Anon principles to overcome problems with abuse, death and infidelity. Includes a chapter about taking care of ourselves.
Alateen Talks Back on Acceptance (P-68)
This 32-page booklet features Alateen members sharing on accepting the realities of their lives. Discover fresh insight from our younger members.
Al-Anon Literature about Detachment
Detachment (S-19) This easy to use leaflet summarizes the basics of detachment.
Alcoholism, a Merry-Go-Round Named Denial (P-3) This is an Al-Anon Classic, representing the life of an alcoholic as a play. While the alcoholic may appear to be the star of the show, this pamphlet emphasizes the other members of the cast and their opportunities to instigate change. Introduced over 50 years ago (1969), yet just as relevant today!
Alcoholism, the Family Disease (P-4) This long-time favorite includes personal stories, questions and answers, a maturity checklist, and more
Freedom from Despair (P-6) A message of hope for anyone facing alcoholism, a problem we can’t solve alone.
What Do YOU Do about the Alcoholic’s Drinking? (P-19) Explores common misconceptions of family members and friends of alcoholics in trying to cope, and how Al-Anon can help.
How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics (B-32) This book explores many Al-Anon basics, including the steps, the slogans, detachment, and more.
Discovering Choices (B-30) Find out how the tools of Al-Anon can be used to improve relationships which have been affected by alcoholism. Each chapter includes stories submitted by members as well as questions for reflection or discussion.
Alateen talks back on: Detachment (P-73) Alateen members share on letting go with love. Insight from our younger members.
Literature For Parents and Grandparents
To Parents of Alcoholics (P-16) Parents of alcoholics share, and address the fear, anger,
blame, guilt and confusion of realizing your child is an alcoholic.
Hope & Understanding for Parents & Grandparents (P-94)
Includes description of the challenges facing parents and grandparents of young problem drinkers, as well as a wide variety of inspiring personal stories, plus a section on how parents and grandparents apply the Twelve Steps.
Parent’s Newcomer Packet (K-24)
Welcomes those whose child has a drinking problem. The packet includes:
A Guide for the Family of the Alcoholic (P-7),
Purpose and Suggestions (P-13),
So You Love an Alcoholic (P-14),
To Parents of Alcoholics (P-16),
Understanding Ourselves and Alcoholism (P-48),
Al-Anon Spoken Here (P-53),
Dear Mom & Dad (P-67),
Information for the Newcomer (S-4)
Just for Today Bookmark (M-12).
Parents of Alcoholics Reprint (R-18)
Stories from parents of alcoholics describe their struggle with detachment, responsibility, guilt and letting go. Reprinted from our monthly magazine, The Forum.
Opening Our Hearts, Transforming our Losses (B-29)
This book explores coping with the types of loss that are faced by those who love an alcoholic: Each chapter includes stories submitted by members as well as questions for reflection or discussion.
How Can I Help My Children? (P-9)
Inspiring stories by parents describe how they helped their children understand the family disease of alcoholism. How Alateen can help.
Alateens Share with Adults in Their Lives (P-67)
For any adult in contact with a teenager affected by someone else’s drinking. Also published as Dear Mom & Dad.
CAL on Issues of Control
How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics (B-32)
This book explores many Al-Anon basics, including a section about the three Cs. Many of the Al-Anon tools included in this book can be employed to help us without issues of control.
Blueprint for Progress: Al-Anon’s Fourth Step Inventory (P-91)
Workbook for conducting an in-depth inventory. Includes reflections and inventory questions on 22 aspects of personal growth, including an entire section about Control..
As We Understood (B-11)
A collection of Spiritual Insights. The size of a daily reader, this is actually a “chapter book”, with six chapters on various aspects of spirituality. Including an entire chapter about “Letting Go”.
Many Voices, One Journey (B-31)
Al-Anon’s story of growth and recovery. Includes questions for reflection/discussion, which are well suited to become meeting topics or to serve as journal prompts.
Understanding Ourselves and Alcoholism (P-48)
This pamphlet explores the alcoholic’s obsession, addiction, compulsion and denial as well as the anxiety, anger, denial and feelings of guilt experienced by loved ones. These are feelings which can lead us to issues with control.
Alcoholism, a Merry-Go-Round Named Denial (P-3)
This pamphlet represents the life of an alcoholic as a play. Each “character” has only limited control. In recognizing what can be controlled and what cannot, change is possible.
Detachment (S-19)
This leaflet summarizes the basics of detachment. Detaching from situations we cannot control is an effective Al-Anon tool.
Other: Most Al-Anon books feature an index, often including references for “Control” or “Controlling”
Sponsorship: For Recovery, Unity and Service
Sponsorship: What It’s All About (P-31)
Provides guidance on finding a Sponsor, what to expect, and suggestions for Sponsors.
Sponsorship Bookmark: Working Together to Recover (M-78)
Bookmark about sponsorship, its purpose and its focus, Includes essential characteristics of members who Sponsor.
How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics (B-32)
This book addresses many Al-Anon basics, including Sponsorship and the Steps.
Discovering Choices (B-30)
Members share how they have improved a wide variety of relationships affected by alcoholism by using the program’s tools, including Sponsorship. Each chapter includes personal sharings plus questions for discussion.
When I Got Busy, I Got Better (P-78)
The secret to recovery is service. Members share how Twelfth Step work and serving as a Sponsor build self-esteem, confidence and trust, while reducing fear and isolation.
Service Sponsorship: Working Smarter, Not Harder (P-88)
Benefits of not doing it alone by having or being a Service Sponsor are explained. Includes tips for effective service Experiences.
Alateen Sponsorship: Is It For You? (S-27)
Questions to help Al-Anon members decide about sponsoring an Alateen group.
A Guide for Sponsors of Alateen Groups (P-29)
Basic information for Alateen Group Sponsors on starting and supporting an Alateen group
CAL about the Concepts
The Concepts: Al-Anon’s Best-Kept Secret? (P-57)
Learn about Al-Anon’s third Legacy. This illustrated pamphlet includes an introductory section, as well as an explanation of each Concept.
Al-Anon / Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27)
This is the essential reference book for anyone interested in Al-Anon Service. The fourth section of the Service Manual is specifically devoted to the Concepts. Fifty pages in length, this section includes the History of the Concepts as well as an Introduction and a detailed explanation of each Concept and each Warranty. “Al-Anon’s Twelve Concepts of Service deals with the ‘why’ of our service structure in such a way that the valuable experience of the past and the lessons drawn from that experience can never be forgotten or lost.”
How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics (B-32)
This book explores many Al-Anon basics, including a chapter about the Concepts. This features a section about “Learning and Growing as We Carry the Message”, as well as a brief explanation of each Concept.
Reaching for Personal Freedom (P-92)
Living the Legacies. A workbook for using Al-Anon’s Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Service in one’s personal life. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction followed by personal stories of how members have applied each Legacy to their personal lives. Questions address each personal story.
Paths to Recovery (B-24)
This is a thorough study guide for our Legacies, with an in-depth chapter for each Step, Tradition and Concept of Service. Each chapter includes an explanatory section followed by personal stories and questions for reflection/discussion.
The companion Paths to Recovery Workbook (P-93) contains the questions from the book with spaces to write the answers. These are available together as a set (K-31).
Healing Within Our Alcoholic Relationships (P-95)
A Collection of Insights from our shared Journey. How the Twelve Concepts apply to my relationships.
CAL on the Traditions (part 1)
The Twelve Steps and Traditions (P-17)
This pamphlet briefly explains each Step and each Tradition. Also includes the “Three Obstacles to Success in Al-Anon”.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for Alateen (P-18)
This pamphlet is relevant for members of any age. This is a great topic guide for meetings. Includes a description of each Step and Tradition, as well as personal reflections and questions for discussion.
Al-Anon’s Twelve Traditions Illustrated (P-60)
This pamphlet features an explanation of each Tradition along with a memorable illustration.
Conflict Resolution using our Twelve Traditions (S-72)
This set of twelve laminated 3×5 cards features a brief explanation of each Tradition, with discussion questions for each Tradition. Great resource to lead a meeting on any Tradition.
When I Got Busy, I Got Better (P-78)
This booklet explores how Service and Unity can enhance our Recovery. The main section, “In Giving, We Receive” emphasizes Service. This is followed by “Our Common Welfare: Reaching Out to Others,” which addresses the importance of Unity. Describes each Tradition.
Reaching for Personal Freedom (P-92)
Living the Legacies. A workbook for using Al-Anon’s Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Service in one’s personal life. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction followed by personal stories of how members have applied each Legacy to their personal lives. Questions address each personal story.
Paths to Recovery (B-24)
This is a thorough study guide for our Legacies, with an in-depth chapter for each Step, Tradition and Concept of Service. Each chapter includes an explanatory
section followed by personal stories and questions for reflection/discussion.
The companion Paths to Recovery Workbook (P-93) contains the questions from the book with spaces to write the answers. These are available together as a set (K-31).
Al-Anon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (B-8)
This book has a chapter for each Step and Tradition. Each chapter includes a description/explanation, followed by a “Thinking it Over” section, plus a personal story submitted by a member.
CAL on the Traditions (part 2)
How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics (B-32)
This book explores many Al-Anon basics, including the Steps, the Traditions, slogans, detachment, and more.
Why Conference Approved Literature? (P-35)
Tradition One. This pamphlet explains how use of Conference Approved Literature supports our Unity.
Purpose and Suggestions (P-13)
Tradition Five. This pamphlet explains our purpose, and how it is achieved. “Each Al-Anon Family Group has one purpose: to help families and friends of alcoholics.”
Seventh Tradition (S-21)
This pamphlet explains what it means for every group to be self- Supporting.
Al-Anon Spoken Here (P-53)
Tradition Ten. This pamphlet explains the importance of avoiding outside issues, and keeping the focus on Al-Anon principles.
The Al-Anon Focus (P-45)
Tradition Ten. Describes how those members who are also recovering alcoholics can benefit from maintaining an Al-Anon Focus, while attending Al-Anon.
Al-Anon Focus / Declaration Table Card (S-24)
Tradition Ten. One side of this tent card reminds members to leave outside issues – outside. The other side contains the Al-Anon Declaration: “Let It Begin with Me …”
Attracting and Cooperating (S-40)
Traditions Three and Eleven. This pamphlet explores Step 12 (Carrying the Message) with respect to the 3rd and 11th Traditions. Explains the difference between Attraction and Promotion. Also explores the difference between Cooperation and Affiliation.
Why Anonymity in Al-Anon? (P-33)
Traditions Eleven and Twelve. This pamphlet addresses the importance of anonymity, both as a spiritual principle, and as a practical matter.
Anonymity Table Card (S-9)
Traditions Eleven and Twelve. The “Whom you see here …” tent card reminds members of the importance of confidentiality and anonymity.
Healing Within Our Alcoholic Relationships (P-95)
A Collection of Insights from our shared journey. How the Twelve Traditions apply to my relationships..
CAL for those who grew up with Alcoholism
Did You Grow Up with a Problem Drinker? (S-25)
A leaflet containing twenty questions for adult children to decide if they can benefit from Al-Anon.
Al-Anon Welcomes Adult Children of Alcoholics (S-69)
A one page (tri-fold) pamphlet which briefly describes the Al-Anon program and how it can be helpful to those who grew up with alcoholism.
Al-Anon Sharings from Adult Children (P-47)
Lingering effects of parental alcoholism are illustrated through personal stories. Includes a section on how adult children apply the twelve Steps.
Newcomer Packet for Adult Children of Alcoholics (K-21)
Includes the three items listed above in addition to:
Information for the Newcomer (S-4)
Understanding Ourselves and Alcoholism (P-48)
Al-Anon Spoken Here (P-53)
Just for Today bookmark (M-12).
From Survival to Recovery (B-21)
Al-Anon adult children tell their stories. Explores the long term effects of being raised with alcoholism, and why Al-Anon can help. This book is organized in four sections: Our Many Faces, Beginning to Recover, Climbing the Steps to Recovery and Healing Broken Childhoods.
Hope For Today (B-27)
Daily sharings from Al-Anon adult children members are for anyone who wants to grow in acceptance, compassion and understanding.
Opening Our Hearts, Transforming our Losses (B-29)
This book explores coping with the types of loss that are faced by those who love an alcoholic. Chapters include Lost Childhood, Lost Dreams and Lost Relationships, as well as the loss associated with divorce or death. Each chapter includes stories submitted by members as well as questions for reflection or discussion.