Alateen
Alateen is a vital part of Al-Anon Family Groups, part of the worldwide fellowship of Al-Anon. The program offers a full and vibrant community for younger people, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Alateen groups are led by teens and sponsored by Al-Anon members.
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
Want to volunteer with Alateen*?
Become an AMIAS (Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service).
Every Alateen group needs active, adult members of Al-Anon to serve as Sponsors—basically safety monitors for Alateen meetings. Alateen sponsorship may be for you if you:
are at least 25 years old
have been an active member of Al-Anon for at least two years
are able to pass a background check
are willing to share your program
*Alateen training is administered by the New York South Area Assembly, which covers New York City, Long Island and the suburban counties in southern New York State. If you live in this region and are interested in learning more, contact nysalateen66@gmail.com to attend the required annual training session.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Alateen is part of Al-Anon Family Groups, created for young people — usually teenagers — whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Meetings are led by the teens themselves and supported by trained Al-Anon member sponsors.
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Any teen affected by a family member's or friend's drinking is welcome. It doesn't matter whether that person is still drinking or whether they live in the same home.
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Members share their experiences, discuss difficulties, and encourage one another in a safe, confidential space. Together they learn healthy ways to cope, using the Twelve Steps and Alateen's Twelve Traditions.
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Yes. Each group is guided by Al-Anon member sponsors who follow Al-Anon's safety requirements, while the teens themselves lead the discussion.
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Electronic Alateen meetings are an excellent option when an in person meeting is not available. In fact, many teens prefer electronic meetings. When a local, in-person Alateen meeting isn't available, teens are always welcome at an Al-Anon meeting. Both in-person and electronic Alateen and Al-Anon meetings can be found in the free Al-Anon Family Groups mobile app.