Alateen

Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. We help one another by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. Alateen is for young people from 12 through 18. Learn more about the Facts about Alateen.

What Alateen Means to Me

Alateens find hope in situations that often seem hopeless. Working with these teens who suffer from the family disease of alcoholism can be a rewarding experience. Here is what some local area Alateens and Alateen Sponsors say about the program.

One Teen Didn't Want to Go... at First

"You know, Mom, I didn't want to go to the Alateen meeting tonight, but after I go I always feel better.  We laughed, it was fun, and it makes me want to do the right thing because I feel like they'll find out if I do something wrong."

Local Alateen Member

It's a Great Feeling to Give Back

"What does it mean to me to be an Alateen sponsor? It is something that I look forward to each week. I feel privileged to be an Alateen sponsor. To be a part of these young peoples' lives and to facilitate their meetings. I am learning so much from them and remembering what it felt like to be young and going through tough times. It's a great feeling to give something back to the program that has helped me learn how to take care of myself."

Local Alateen Sponsor

Honor to Sponsor

"For over two years I have had the honor to sponsor the Daniel Bryant Youth Center meeting every Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:15pm. It has been the most rewarding 12th step work I have done. All I have to do is show up each week, sit in the meeting and share my experience/strength/hope with the teens. But I mainly just listen to them share what is going on. The teens teach me so much and remind me of just how hard it is being around active alcoholism. I am glad they have a place to come and share. I know many women in Al-Anon could have used these meetings when they were younger. If you are interested in Alateen sponsorship, please contact your local Alateen coordinator at Alateen@AlAnonSantaBarbara.info. We need more sponsors!"

Former Santa Barbara Coordinator