My mother and her Al-anon quest

[Gruce]

My mother has fairly recently became a religious nut and is passionate about it, and now she is trying her hand in creating an Ala-teen and has been inspired by Ala-non to pursue the creation of this group in my home town. She is (dare i say) making this happen on blind faith and her attitude from that group isn't the best. She is convinced by her peers by the 'disease' theory and there are things I've learned from Penn and teller's BS that have shown me info and stuff. She is fiercely defensive and I only wish to comment on the organization as well as make a few small changes. I don't want the teens to have unprofessional help and grow up with a hatred.

[Something completely different]

Welcome!

who or what is Ala-non?

[Cyberman]

I'm guessing it's another term for Alc-Anon, ie Alcoholics Unanimous Anonymous or AA.

Welcome aboard, Gruce.

[festive1]

Welcome, Gruce!
TGAC, Al-Anon is an anonymous fellowship/support group for people who are friends or relatives of alcoholics. It's based on a 12 step program, just like Alcoholics Anonymous. Ala-Teen is Al-Anon for teenagers coping with alcoholic parents.
There's a lot of talk about god in 12 step programs. Which can lead to zealotry. However, I'm an atheist and an active participant in a 12 step program, ACA, Adult Children of Alcoholics (and dysfunctional families), which is an offshoot of Ala-Teen that started about 25-30 years ago. I'd say that religion is the problem, not the steps or fellowship. Though my home group is very liberal and accepting, I've shared that I'm an atheist and haven't gotten any guff about it.
I'd be happy to speak in-depth about this sort of stuff either through a thread or PM.

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And don't worry, I won't be offended by bashes of the program. It hasn't helped my father who has been in AA for almost 30 years now... Sure, he doesn't drink, but he's still a really fucked-up asshole!