Alateen, part of Al-Anon Family Groups, is for young people who have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. We help each other by sharing our experience, strength, and hope.
We believe alcoholism is a family disease affecting everyone emotionally and sometimes physically. Although we cannot change or control the alcoholics in our lives, we can detach from their problems while continuing to love them.
In Alateen we focus on our own program rather than outside issues such as religion, politics, social media, or other Twelve Step programs. There are no dues for membership. Alateen is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Alateen has one purpose: to help young people affected by someone else’s drinking. We are careful to protect each other’s anonymity as well that of all Al-Anon and A.A. members.
Alateen, part of Al-Anon Family Groups, is for young people who have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. We help each other by sharing our experience, strength, and hope.
We believe alcoholism is a family disease affecting everyone emotionally and sometimes physically. Although we cannot change or control the alcoholics in our lives, we can detach from their problems while continuing to love them.
In Alateen we focus on our own program rather than outside issues such as religion, politics, social media, or other Twelve Step programs. There are no dues for membership. Alateen is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Alateen has one purpose: to help young people affected by someone else’s drinking. We are careful to protect each other’s anonymity as well that of all Al-Anon and A.A. members.
Alateen is a support group for young people (typically ages 13–18) who have been affected by someone else’s alcoholism or addiction. It is a part of the larger Al-Anon Family Groups, which provide support to families and friends of individuals struggling with alcohol abuse. Alateen offers a safe, confidential space for teenagers to share their experiences, find understanding, and learn coping strategies.
Here are some key aspects of Alateen:
- Support for Teens: Alateen helps teenagers who are living in environments where a family member, friend, or loved one has an alcohol addiction. It helps them understand that they are not alone and that their feelings of confusion, fear, anger, or sadness are common among those affected by addiction.
- The 12-Step Program: Like Al-Anon, Alateen uses the 12-step program derived from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This program provides a structure for personal growth, healing, and emotional resilience. The steps guide participants toward recovery through self-reflection, sharing, and learning how to detach from the behavior of the alcoholic or addict without condoning or enabling it.
- Confidential and Nonjudgmental Environment: Meetings are led by trained adult sponsors who have experience in Al-Anon, ensuring a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. The primary focus is to listen, share experiences, and support each other.
- Meetings: Alateen meetings are held in person, online, or by phone, and are usually free of charge. They are structured to allow participants to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, often with the help of a topic or reading. While each group may have its own specific format, the main goal is always to help members heal and grow emotionally.
- Alateen’s Impact: Many teens who attend Alateen report feeling a sense of relief and belonging. By sharing their struggles with others who truly understand, they often feel less isolated. They also gain a better sense of control over their own lives and emotions, even if they cannot control the alcoholic’s behavior.
- Support for Teens: Alateen helps teenagers who are living in environments where a family member, friend, or loved one has an alcohol addiction. It helps them understand that they are not alone and that their feelings of confusion, fear, anger, or sadness are common among those affected by addiction.
- The 12-Step Program: Like Al-Anon, Alateen uses the 12-step program derived from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This program provides a structure for personal growth, healing, and emotional resilience. The steps guide participants toward recovery through self-reflection, sharing, and learning how to detach from the behavior of the alcoholic or addict without condoning or enabling it.
- Confidential and Nonjudgmental Environment: Meetings are led by trained adult sponsors who have experience in Al-Anon, ensuring a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. The primary focus is to listen, share experiences, and support each other.
- Meetings: Alateen meetings are held in person, online, or by phone, and are usually free of charge. They are structured to allow participants to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, often with the help of a topic or reading. While each group may have its own specific format, the main goal is always to help members heal and grow emotionally.
- Alateen’s Impact: Many teens who attend Alateen report feeling a sense of relief and belonging. By sharing their struggles with others who truly understand, they often feel less isolated. They also gain a better sense of control over their own lives and emotions, even if they cannot control the alcoholic’s behavior.