ALATEEN PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR TEENAGERS AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM DRINKING OF A PARENT OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBER.
It is difficult when a parent, stepparent, grandparent, friend, sibling, or any one else in one’s life has a drinking problem. It affects how young people are treated and it shapes their world. Alateen meetings are where teens can find support and understanding from people their own age who are going through similar difficulties. Alateen is a safe place for young people to share their own experiences. Everyone in the meeting has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Some currently live with a problem drinker, others do not. Alateens share their feelings, encourage each other, and share how the Alateen program has helped them.
Not sure is you have been affected by someone else's drinking?
Our quick self-help quiz may help.
If you identify with some of the sentiments,
we encourage you to give Alateen a try!
Alateens are welcome at all Al-Anon meetings.
IS ALATEEN FOR YOU?
If you are between 9 and 19 and have been affected by someone's drinking, please consider visiting an Alateen meeting. You'll meet other young people just like you who are experiencing in varying degrees, the same feelings of pain and frustration. Alateens use the program to find serenity, even happiness, whether the other person is still drinking or not.
HOW WILL ALATEEN HELP?
Alateens share that they have come to understand that alcoholism is a disease and that:
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They are not the cause of anyone else's drinking or behavior. -
They cannot change or control anyone but themselves. -
They can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker's problems while continuing to love the person. -
They can build satisfying and rewarding life experiences for themselves, whether the alcoholic still drinks or not.
WHO ATTENDS ALATEEN MEETINGS?
Youth aged 9 to 19 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to attend Alateen. Everyone in the meeting has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Some members currently live with a problem drinker, others do not.
DO I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING AT A MEETING?
Absolutely not! You are welcome to listen and learn. It has been proven to be very helpful and benificial for you if you do wish to share. The unity in the group grows and you may find others are feeling the same way or have experienced similar feelings as you.
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dfficulties and challenges -
effective ways to cope with their problems -
positive encourage -
the principles of the Alateen program
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There are no dues for membership. Alateen meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. Alateen is self supporting through its own voluntary contributions, and through the sale of Conference-Approved Literature (CAL).
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN ALATEEN?
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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 potential, no matter what happens at home -
they can build satisfying and rewarding life experiences for themselves
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Follow Al-Anon World Service Organization
Alateen is part of Al‑Anon Family Groups. Alateen is a fellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members who help the group to stay on track. Alateens come together to:
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Share experiences, strength, and hope with each other
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Discuss difficulties
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Learn effective ways to cope with problems
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Encourage one another
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Help each other understand the principles of the Al-Anon program
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Learn how to use the Twelve Steps and Alateen's Twelve Traditions
In this video, you will hear from anonymous teens who talk about the fighting and negativity they experienced in dealing with an alcoholic in their family.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
If you are a parent/guardian of a child who is, or has been, impacted by some else’s drinking, and want to know more about Alateen, please contact us.
ALATEEN CHAT
Chat live with other teens in scheduled meetings. Young people aged 13 to 18 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength and hope with other teens.
ALATEEN LITERATURE