This study assessed Alcoholics Anonymous (Al-Anon) participation as a factor in stress of wives of alcoholics. Additional data focused on attitude and behavior variables. Two groups of 20 subjects each were enlisted from Al-Anon, personal contacts, treatment centers, and referrals in three urban areas in the southeastern United States. Group A wives were not members of Al-Anon, and Group B wives had been members for the past year or longer. Data were obtained from the Stress Audit and a questionnaire specifically designed for the study. Analysis of variance determined that Al-Anon wives were significantly less vulnerable to stress and were significantly less stressed in family situations than were non Al-Anon wives. Significant differences were also found within and between groups as a function of age, education, and status as adult children of alcoholics. Findings suggest that Al-Anon participation significantly reduces vulnerability to stress, stress from family situations, and the use of maladaptive coping behavior. (References are included.) (TE)