ALATEEN
Provides support for teenagers affected by the drinking problem of a parent, other family member or friend.
Not sure if 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!
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:
Share experiences, strength, and hope with each other
Discuss difficulties
Learn effective ways to cope with problems
Encourage one another
Help each other understand the principles of the Al-Anon program
Learn how to use the Twelve Steps and Alateen's Twelve Traditions
Frequently Asked Questions
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
“I had isolated myself from reality, from everyone around me, and I felt so alone. I dreamed of a place to be where I could dress as I wanted and be who I wanted without feeling like I wasn’t good enough. I dreamed of a place where people would accept me completely as I was. It would be two years before I found this place. It is called Alateen.” Alateen Talks Back~On Acceptance/pg. 6
“Alateen has helped me have hope by hearing other people’s struggles. I have learned that my problems aren’t as bad as they might seem in the moment… I have also heard other people’s stories of how things have gotten better. These stories give me hope.” “Alateen Talk”~Spring 2017
“In Alateen, I learned to let go of resentments and forgive others; and through forgiving others I could finally forgive myself." An excerpt from “Alateen Talk"
“I had isolated myself from reality, from everyone around me, and I felt so alone. I dreamed of a place to be where I could dress as I wanted and be who I wanted without feeling like I wasn’t good enough. I dreamed of a place where people would accept me completely as I was. It would be two years before I found this place. It is called Alateen.” Alateen Talks Back~On Acceptance/pg. 6
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.
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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