What is Alateen?

Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. 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.

We believe alcoholism is a family disease because it affects all the members emotionally and sometimes physically. Although we cannot change or control our parents, we can detach from their problems while continuing to love them.

We do not discuss religion or become involved with any outside organizations. Our sole topic is the solutions of our problems. We are always careful to protect each other's anonymity as well as that of all Al-Anon and AA members.

By applying the Twelve Steps to ourselves, we begin to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We will always be grateful to Alateen for giving us a wonderful, healthy program to live by and enjoy.

Every Alateen group has an adult member of Al-Anon (two preferred), who is a minimum age of 21 years old with two years of active, continuous Al-Anon membership.