The Recovery Show
The Recovery Show
Is Al-Anon Really for Men? A conversation – 437
Is Al-Anon Really for Men? A conversation – 437
Is Al-Anon Really for Men? A conversation – 437
Monday 4th August 2025
Spencer and Patrick B explore why only 15% of Al-Anon members are men. Could societal norms be affecting men's involvement?
34 minutes
Engaging
Informative
Supportive
Honest
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
The Recovery Show
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Financial Health in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Episodes:
445 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Exploring Men's Place in Al-Anon: A Candid Discussion
Episode Overview
- Men make up only 15% of Al-Anon members.
- Societal norms may impact men's participation.
- Al-Anon meetings might feel less welcoming to men.
- Men's newcomer packet could aid inclusivity.
- Recovery can bring unexpected miracles.
Stick around for the miracles because they do happen
Picture this: a cruise ship, the open sea, and a heartfelt chat between two men pondering a big question. In this episode of The Recovery Show, Spencer and Patrick B dive into the intriguing topic of men's involvement in Al-Anon. Despite men being equally affected by alcoholism in their families, only about 15% of Al-Anon members are male. Why is that? Patrick wonders if societal norms about masculinity play a role in this disparity.
The conversation covers everything from personal stories to broader reflections on gender dynamics in recovery meetings. Patrick shares his journey of discovering Al-Anon after trying everything else to find happiness in his marriage. He realised he needed help, and Al-Anon was the lifeline he didn't know he needed. Spencer echoes these sentiments, reflecting on his own struggles with societal expectations and relationships. The duo also discuss how Al-Anon's structure might inadvertently be less welcoming to men.
Could it be that the programme's focus on relationships and emotional sharing feels more aligned with traditional female roles? Patrick suggests that maybe meetings could be more inclusive by acknowledging these differences and offering resources like the men's newcomer packet. This episode isn't just about asking questions; it's about finding answers and encouraging change.
Spencer and Patrick's candid discussion opens the door to understanding why more men might not feel at home in Al-Anon and what can be done to change that. So, if you're curious about how gender plays into recovery or if you're pondering your place in Al-Anon, this episode offers a fresh perspective. You might just find that it speaks to your own experiences and challenges. Why not give it a listen and see where the conversation takes you?