What do teens say about Alateen - How Alateen Helps

Published on Mar 12, 2013, this video features anonymous teens talking about the Alateen program and how it has helped them to better understand how someone else's alcoholism has affected their lives. In Alateen, teenagers have the chance to talk about what is bothering them, with others their age who are going through similar situations. The result is less stress, anger, and fear in Alateens' lives.

A Brief History of Alateen

In 1955, concerns for the problems of children in alcoholic families became a topic at the AA International Convention in St. Louis. Though there were several forums at the convention addressing these concerns, it was not until 1957 that the first Alateen group was formed in California by the teenage son of AA/Al-Anon parents. The movement caught on and several more groups were started.

By 1958, the Board of Directors of Al-Anon announced the formation of 31 groups with another 39 soon to be formed. The Board also announced the establishment of an Alateen Committee. By 1962, there were 203 Alateen groups registered world-wide. Alateen has continued to grow and has become a powerful force for good in the world of recovery.

Twelve Traditions of Alateen

The Twelve Traditions of Alateen are based on Al-Anon's Twelve Traditions. Al-Anon's Twelve Steps and Twelve Concepts of Service are the same for Alateen.