Most Frequently Asked Questions About Alateen
(these questions came from Alateens in Anne Arundel County)
| 1. What is the purpose of Alateen? Alateen is part of Al-Anon Family Groups is a fellowship of young peoples whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or close friend. We help each other by sharing our experience, strength and hope. Click here for more |
2. Does Alateen really help? By living one day at a time in Alateen young people decide how to find contentment and even happiness even if the alcoholic is still drinking. |
| 3.Do I have to talk in front of people? You may just listen if you choose. However you will be asked your first name. If asked to talk, you may simply say "I just want to listen". Your participation is your choice. |
4. Do I have to tell any of my problems? You may say what you feel most comfortable in sharing. In alcoholism trust is always the first to go. In time you will begin to feel at ease with your group. Sharing your recovery is part of recovering. |
| 5. Will I be judged? In Alateen we share our experience, strength and hope without judging or being judged. |
6.How often does Alateen get new people? Since we do not keep attendance records or membership rolls. We get new people when someone decides to attend a meeting. |
| 7. How big are Alateen groups? Alateen is part of Al-Anon which is a world wide organization. You may look on the web by clicking here A group's size varies from a few members to many. |
8. How many people has Alateen helped? Since we are an anonymous organization it is hard to give a number but we believe it to be many. |
| 9. What do they talk about in Alateen? Our goal is the solution of our problems. Topics vary, but can include anger, resentment, alcoholism, worry, etc. |
10. What are the people like? |
| 11Is it a religious group? We do not discuss religion or become involved with any outside organizations. We often meet in churches because the rent is reasonable. |
12.Can Alateen help me? If some one else's drinking has affected your life, Alateen can help. |
| 13 How much does it cost? All of our funds are donations from our members. When you attend a meeting you may donate if you wish. If you can not afford a donation you may still attend. |
14. . What is the age range? It varies, but usually the youngest is 12 and it goes to 19. However some groups accept 10 or 11 year olds. Some areas may even have separate groups for younger ages. Each group is autonomous and decides what is the youngest age they want to be at their group. |
| 15. How often does the group meet? On average, groups meet once a week. |
16Are there any activities in Alateen? Alateen has group activities determined by the group. |
| 17.How do I know I belong in Alateen? click here How do I decide whether or not Alateen is for me? If someone else's drinking has effected your life Alateen can help you. If after a fair number of meetings you have not experienced some relief from the disease of Alcoholism then perhaps Alateen is not for you. |
18. Are there any adults in the meetings? We have 2 adult Alateen sponsors present at each meeting. However the meeting is run by the Alateen members. |
| 19.. Is the Alateen for boys and girls? Alateen is for young people who have been affected by someone else's drinking. All young people are welcomed. |
20.Will anyone know I am going to Alateen? There are no membership rolls in Alateen. Only those people you tell will know. We are always careful to protect each other's anonymity as well as that of all AA members and Al-Anon members. |
| 21What do I do if I see someone I know? At the meeting: Say hello. They will greet you as part of the fellowship of Alateen. You learn you are not alone in this disease of Alcoholism. Outside of the meeting: Your anonimity should be protected. They may greet you, but not say anything about you being at a Alateen meeting. |
23.Is what we say in a meeting confidential? Our anonymity slogan is: "Whom you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here." |
| Some of these answers came from "Living Today in Alateen" © Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc 2001 |