Al-Anon, which includes Alateen, has been offering experience, strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers for over 55 years. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people. Alcoholism is a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else's drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.

The 30, or so, Al-Anon and Alateen meetings in the Santa Barbara area make-up District 8. District 8 is part of Southern California World Service (SCWS) also know as Area 4.