Alateen

Alateen is a fellowship of young people, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. It is part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, which is a worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics. Alateen is designed specifically for younger members, providing a supportive environment where they can share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other.

History

Alateen was founded in 1957 by Al-Anon Family Groups to address the specific needs of teenagers affected by alcoholism in their families. The first Alateen group was started in California, and the concept quickly spread to other regions.

Purpose

The primary purpose of Alateen is to help young people affected by someone else's drinking. Members come together to share their experiences and to support each other in dealing with the challenges they face. Alateen meetings are based on the principles of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), adapted to meet the needs of young people.

Meetings

Alateen meetings are typically held in conjunction with Al-Anon meetings, although they are separate and specifically for teenagers. Meetings are usually facilitated by an adult sponsor who is a member of Al-Anon and has undergone special training to work with young people. The meetings provide a safe and confidential environment where members can discuss their problems and find solutions together.

Literature

Alateen uses a variety of literature to support its members, including books, pamphlets, and daily readers. Some of the key pieces of literature include:

• Alateen—Hope for Children of Alcoholics
• Courage to Be Me—Living with Alcoholism
• Daily Reader: Alateen—a day at a time

Sponsorship

In Alateen, sponsorship is an important aspect of the program. An Alateen sponsor is an adult member of Al-Anon who provides guidance and support to the group. Sponsors help ensure that the meetings are conducted in a safe and respectful manner and that the principles of the program are upheld.

Related Programs

Alateen is part of a broader network of support groups for those affected by alcoholism. Related programs include:

• Al-Anon Family Groups
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Adult Children of Alcoholics

See Also

• Al-Anon Family Groups
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps
• Twelve Traditions
• Adult Children of Alcoholics