Alateen, a part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking whether they are in your life drinking or not. By attending Alateen, teenagers meet other teenagers with similar situations. Alateen is not a religious program and there are no fees or dues to belong to it. Alateen provides a safe place for young people affected by someone else’s drinking to share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other, and to learn how to apply the principles of the Al‑Anon/Alateen program to their lives. The age range for Alateen is normally 13-18, with Alateen members at 18-19, transitioning into the Al-Anon program from Alateen when they are ready. Some Alateen groups allow those younger than 13 to attend.*
Alateen Groups have “Group Sponsors”, adult Al-Anon members that have been certified to work with Alateens. These members are present at every meeting to ensure the safety of the teens in attendance, make sure behavior guidelines are followed and assist in keeping the focus on the Al-Anon/Alateen program.
Alateens have their own Conference Approved Literature, run their meetings and work the steps, traditions and concepts with sponsors (fellow Alateens) just like Al-Anons do in an Al-Anon meetings and with their sponsors.
*If your child is 12 or under, please contact the group for more information.
For more information about Alateen, check out the Teen Corner at the official Al-Anon World Service website.