Al-Anon/ Alateen Resources

Background Information

Al-Anon
• Is for families and friends of alcoholics.
• Is a separate fellowship from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
• Al-Anon is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions adapted from AA.
• Is compatible with professional treatment.

Alateen
• Is part of the Al-Anon fellowship designed for the younger relatives and friends of alcoholics through age nineteen.
• Members conduct their own meetings with the guidance of an Al-Anon sponsor.
• Follows the same Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and principles as Al-Anon.

Al-Anon and Alateen Members Are Helped When They:
• Attend meetings on a regular basis.
• Make telephone contact with other members.
• Read Al-Anon/Alateen literature.
• Have a sponsor.
• Apply the Twelve Steps of recovery to their lives.
• Become involved in Al-Anon service work.

Al-Anon and Alateen Groups Do Not:
• Give advice.
• Indulge in gossip or criticism.
• Discuss members' religious beliefs, or lack of them.
• Endorse or oppose any cause, therapy, or treatment.