Alateen is an integral part of Al-Anon Family Groups. We recognize that alcoholism in the home not only affects the drinker, but every member of the family. Children are particularly affected because they depend on their parents to protect them from harm.

By sharing their experience, strength and hope, Alateen members learn that alcoholism is a family disease that affects all members emotionally and sometimes physically, even themselves. The purpose of Alateen is to help each young member of the family understand that there are solutions that the Alateens themselves may use.

Alateen is different from adult meetings in that the meetings are conducted by the Alateen members (ageS: 12-20). Adults may attend only with the permission of the Alateen members. But there are one or more adults in the room called sponsors, who help by assuring that Al-Anon principles are known and used during meetings.