Al-Anon and Alateen: A Lifeline for Families Impacted by Alcoholism

Al-Anon and Alateen are two distinct programs within a global network of support groups dedicated to families coping with the effects of alcoholism. While Al-Anon caters to spouses, parents, siblings, and other relatives of alcoholics, Alateen offers specialized support to younger individuals directly affected by a loved one's alcohol abuse.

A Glimpse into Al-Anon and Alateen:

• Al-Anon and Alateen are mutual support groups founded on spiritual principles that foster insight and strength through shared experiences.
• Unlike intervention programs, these groups prioritize the well-being of family members and loved ones impacted by alcohol abuse.
• Al-Anon and Alateen recognize the potential trauma experienced by individuals living with alcoholics, focusing on self-care and healing.
• The negative effects of alcoholism often extend beyond the individual, leading to financial strain, defensiveness, legal troubles, emotional distress, and familial problems.
• Support groups can empower family members to differentiate between enabling and genuine assistance, prioritize their own needs, and detach themselves from the harmful impacts of alcohol abuse.
• Al-Anon and Alateen follow a 12-step model, akin to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), promoting spiritual growth and recovery.

A Journey Through History:

• Families of alcoholics began attending AA meetings in 1939, recognizing the benefits of the Twelve Steps in their own lives and family dynamics.
• In 1948, some family groups sought recognition from the AA General Service Office but faced rejection.
• Lois W., wife of AA co-founder Bill W., and Anne B., a close friend, spearheaded the formation of a committee to coordinate and support these independent groups.
• Al-Anon officially took shape in 1951, comprising 56 member groups across the United States, adopting a name derived from the first syllables of "Alcoholics Anonymous."
• Al-Anon embraces the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, adapted to suit the unique needs of families.
• Alateen meetings were introduced in 1957, catering specifically to individuals between 12 and 19 years old, facilitated by adult Al-Anon members known as sponsors.

Navigating Al-Anon and Alateen:

• The Twelve Steps of Al-Anon and Alateen share similarities with those of AA, emphasizing the healing power of mutual support and surrender to a higher power.
• These groups function as platforms for sharing personal experiences, fostering strength, and encouraging members to apply lessons to their own lives.
• While the Twelve Steps can positively impact families in distress, some individuals may find discomfort in the spiritual, quasi-religious, and male-centric aspects of the program.
• Alternative support groups, such as SMART Recovery Family & Friends or NAMI Family Support Group, offer non-12-step methodologies for those seeking assistance.

The Essence of the Al-Anon and Alateen Twelve Steps:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.