Alateen
Alateen is a fellowship for young people whose lives have been affected by a loved one’s drinking, providing a safe space for support and understanding.
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What Is Alateen?
Alateen is a free recovery support group specifically geared toward young people (ages 13-18) who have been impacted by a loved one’s alcohol use.
Alateen is part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, which makes it a peer-support program for teens who need a safe place to express their feelings, share their experiences, and learn positive ways to cope with a loved one’s drinking—whether that person is still drinking or not.
Like its adult program, Al-Anon, Alateen is based on the 12-step program and its principles.
Who Is Alateen For?
Alateen is tailored specifically to teenagers who are trying to cope with a loved one’s past or current alcoholism.
As developing teenagers, the unique social and emotional challenges that can come up for this age group make Alateen an excellent resource to process those experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Alateen is open to young teenagers who have been impacted by someone else’s drinking, and it doesn’t specifically have to be a parent. Teens coping with the effects of a sibling, relative, or close friend’s drinking can also benefit greatly from this support group.
Additionally, the alcoholic doesn’t need to be seeking treatment in order for the teen to receive support from Alateen. The focus is on how that person’s drinking has impacted the teen’s social, emotional, and mental state.
Finally, Alateen is open to teenagers from all walks of life, regardless of their background or belief system. Anyone outside of the 13-18 age range who still needs support might consider Al-Anon with a parent/guardian (younger than 13) or as an adult.
Brief History of Alateen
Alateen was founded in 1957 by a group of teenagers who were seeking their own space within the Al-Anon Family Groups. With guidance from Al-Anon members, they created a program designed just for young people affected by someone else’s drinking.
What started as a small group has since grown into a worldwide network of Alateen meetings, literature, and online support. Today, Alateen continues to offer teens a voice, a community, and a path to healing—all grounded in the principles of Al-Anon and the Twelve Steps.
How Alateen Works
Alateen provides teens with a safe place to connect with other teenagers who can understand what it’s like to be affected by someone else’s drinking issues.
The program is centered around regular group meetings where teens can share their experiences, listen to the stories of peers, and offer each other support in a way that they might not be able to experience in other peer settings.
Through the lens of the 12 steps, meetings are led by other teens but supported by adult volunteers. This ensures the environment remains safe and supportive.
During meetings, teens can talk openly without having to worry about judgment or pressure. Together, they can work through challenges with the guidance of Alateen-approved literature.
Benefits of Alateen
For many teens, Alateen provides a vital outlet for emotional growth and connection.
Key benefits of attending Alateen meetings include:
- Emotional support from peers facing similar challenges
- Reduced feelings of isolation, shame, or guilt
- Tools to set boundaries and manage difficult emotions
- Better communication and coping skills in family relationships
- A sense of belonging without pressure to speak or share before they’re ready
Limitations of Alateen
While Alateen can be a powerful resource, it may not meet every need on its own.
Some important limitations to consider include:
- Alateen is a peer support program, not a substitute for professional therapy or crisis care
- Meeting availability may be limited in some regions or age groups
- Online access may be restricted due to parental controls or safety policies
- Teens in unsafe or abusive environments may require more urgent, professional help
What Happens at an Alateen Meeting?
Alateen meetings give teens a chance to talk openly about how a loved one’s drinking affects their lives. In these small groups, teens can share their experiences, offer support for one another, and learn healthy ways to cope with their situation—all with guidance from trained adult sponsors.
Typical meetings include:
- Sharing personal experiences in a safe, judgment‑free space
- Reading Al‑Anon and Alateen literature for guidance and inspiration
- Discussing the 12 Steps and how they apply to everyday challenges
- Learning coping strategies for handling stress, conflict, and emotions
- Listening without pressure for those not yet ready to speak
Above all, Alateen meetings create a supportive community where teens realize they’re not facing these struggles alone.
Getting Started With Alateen
If you’re ready to check out an Alateen meeting, the good news is that it doesn’t require a long-term commitment or any membership fees. You can just show up for free without any prior knowledge about how it all works.
New members are welcome to sit in and listen during their first meeting. There’s never any pressure or requirement to share; simply being present and hearing other stories is enough for some people, and that’s okay!
You can ask a trusted adult or school counselor if you need help finding a group.
Before your first meeting, here are a few tips that might help you feel more comfortable:
- If possible, arrive a few minutes early to get settled
- Respect the group guidelines about confidentiality and being respectful around sharing and listening
- Don’t feel pressure to speak right away!
- Check out Alateen literature, like Living Today in Alateen or Alateen: Hope for Children of Alcoholics
How to Find an Alateen Meeting
The easiest way to locate an Alateen meeting is through the official Al-Anon Family Groups website, which offers a searchable directory of in-person, phone, and virtual meetings by location and type.
Other ways to find a meeting might include:
- Ask a school counselor, therapist, or healthcare provider
- Contact a local Al-Anon group for referrals
- Look for teen-focused recovery resources in your area
If there isn’t a local meeting close to you, check out online meetings or consider starting a group with the help of Al-Anon Family Groups.
Additional Support for Teens and Families
Alateen is an excellent source of community and healing, but many teens may also benefit from additional support like counseling, therapy, or family services.
When dealing with the alcoholism of a loved one (especially if it’s a parent or other close relative), the more tools available to help navigate this tough situation, the better.
Additionally, if a teen is dealing with serious issues like trauma, abuse, or mental health concerns of their own, it’s critical to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. Alateen is not a replacement for medical care or crisis intervention.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or crisis, call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Find an Alateen Meeting Near You
Alateen is a safe, understanding space where you can connect with others who can genuinely relate to what you’re going through.
To find a meeting—whether in person, online, or by phone—visit the official Al-Anon Family Groups meeting finder. You can also contact local Al-Anon groups, school counselors, or healthcare providers for help finding an Alateen program you can join.
If you’re looking for more immediate support or need help beyond what a peer group can offer, you can call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
It’s a free and confidential service that can connect you with mental health and substance use resources in your area—no insurance or paperwork required.
FAQs About Alateen
Is Alateen the same as Al-Anon?
Not exactly. Alateen is a part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, but it’s specifically designed for teenagers. While both use the same Twelve Steps and focus on support for people affected by someone else’s drinking, Alateen meetings are tailored to the needs and experiences of teens.
Do I need a parent’s permission to attend?
That depends on your location and the format of the meeting. In-person meetings typically require adult supervision, and some areas may have age or permission requirements. Online meetings may have their own rules—check with the local group for details.
Can I go if my loved one hasn’t admitted they have a problem?
Yes—Alateen is for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking, whether or not that person is in recovery or even admits there’s a problem.
Are Alateen meetings confidential?
Yes—confidentiality is a core part of Alateen. What’s shared in meetings stays in meetings, and members are expected to respect one another’s privacy.
Is Alateen religious?
No—Alateen is a spiritual program but not affiliated with any religion. Teens are encouraged to find a personal understanding of a higher power, but there are no specific beliefs required to join.
How much does Alateen membership cost?
Alateen is free! There are no dues or fees to attend. Groups may accept voluntary donations to cover costs, but no one is ever required or pressured to pay.
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