ABOUT ALATEEN

Alateen is a fellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Materials included in this section provide helpful information on starting an Alateen group, serving a group, and meeting ideas for Alateens.

PURPOSE

Young people come together to:

  • share experience, strength and hope with each other
  • discuss their difficulties
  • learn effective ways to cope with their problems
  • encourage one another
  • help each other understand the principles of the Al-Anon program

Alateen members learn:

  • compulsive drinking is a disease
  • they can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker’s problems while continuing to love the person
  • they are not the cause of anyone else’s drinking or behaviour
  • they cannot change or control anyone but themselves
  • they have spiritual and intellectual resources with which to develop their own potentials, no matter what happens at home
  • they can build satisfying and rewarding life experiences for themselves

SPONSORSHIP

Every Alateen group needs two active and approved, adult members of Al-Anon to serve as sponsors. The sponsor is an active part of the group, guiding and sharing knowledge of our Twelve Steps and Traditions.

MEETINGS

Alateen members meet in church halls, school rooms or other suitable places (many times in the same building as an Al-Anon group, but in a separate room).

FIND A MEETING

LITERATURE

Members are encouraged to read Al-Anon and Alateen Conference Approved Literature and materials. Written for members’ personal sharings, these recovery tools can help young people deal with their problems.