Al-Anon and Alateen Support Groups

Written By Jack Scharf

Al-Anon and Alateen are companion support groups for people affected by someone else’s alcohol use disorder (AUD), not for those struggling with alcohol themselves. They offer peer-based, anonymous spaces where people can share experiences and learn healthier ways to cope (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

Al-Anon

Al-Anon is for adults whose lives have been impacted by another person’s drinking. That includes partners, parents, adult children, siblings, relatives, and friends.

Key points drawn from current information:

  • It focuses on helping members cope with the emotional, relational, and practical effects of a loved one’s AUD (BetterHelp, 2025).

  • Meetings are peer-led, self-supporting, and anonymous (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

  • Common themes include boundaries, detachment, guilt, and communication (BetterHelp, 2025).

  • Members share “experience, strength, and hope” rather than giving advice (Texas Al-Anon / Alateen, n.d.).

  • People may attend even if the person with AUD is not in treatment or recovery (BetterHelp, 2025).

  • Many find reduced isolation, improved coping skills, and better mental health over time (BetterHelp, 2025).

Alateen

Alateen is part of Al-Anon Family Groups but is designed specifically for teens affected by someone else’s drinking.

Key points:

  • Intended for young people typically ages 12–19 who are impacted by a parent’s, sibling’s, or another person’s AUD (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

  • Teens meet with peers to talk about their experiences, encourage each other, and learn ways to cope (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

  • Meetings are run by teens, with adult sponsors present only to maintain safety and support the program’s principles (Addiction Group, 2024).

  • It is not therapy and not a place for teens seeking help for their own substance use (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

  • Online chat meetings and face-to-face groups are available, and teens can attend Al-Anon meetings if no Alateen group exists nearby (Al-Anon Australia, n.d.).

Shared Principles

Both programs:

  • Are grounded in the Twelve Steps as a tool for personal growth, though not tied to any religion (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

  • Emphasize finding a “power greater than oneself” defined individually (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

  • Protect anonymity and confidentiality (Al-Anon Family Groups, n.d.).

  • Are self-supporting and unaffiliated with outside organizations (Texas Al-Anon / Alateen, n.d.).

These groups help people separate themselves from the chaos of someone else’s addiction, set healthier boundaries, reduce isolation, and regain a sense of stability (BetterHelp, 2025).

References

Al-Anon Australia. (n.d.). Alateen. https://www.al-anon.org.au/alateen/

Al-Anon Family Groups. (n.d.). Al-Anon Family Groups. https://al-anon.org/

Al-Anon Family Groups. (n.d.). Teen Corner Alateen. https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/

Addiction Group. (2024). Alateen: Everything You Need to Know. https://www.addictiongroup.org/treatment/alateen/

BetterHelp. (2025). What is Al-Anon and how can it benefit loved ones impacted by alcoholism?https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/behavior/what-is-al-anon-and-how-can-it-benefit-loved-ones-impacted-by-alcoholism/

Texas Al-Anon / Alateen. (n.d.). About Al-Anon. https://texas-al-anon.org/ftworth/about-al-anon/

Jack Scharf
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