What Al-Anon and Alateen are
Al-Anon is a support group for people whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. Alateen is the same program for people under 18. Both are free, peer-led, and meet in person or online. You do not need to be related to the person who drinks — Al-Anon members include spouses, adult children, parents, siblings, friends, and coworkers.
Al-Anon and Alateen are separate from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is for people who drink; Al-Anon and Alateen are for people affected by someone else's drinking. The groups use the same 12-step framework, but the focus is on your own recovery and choices, not on the drinker.
Both programs operate independently in each area. There is no central waiting list or registration. You show up to a meeting, introduce yourself (first name only), and listen. Sharing is optional at your first meeting.
Key Takeaways
- Al-Anon meetings are free and open to anyone affected by someone else's drinking; Alateen is the same program for people under 18.
- Meetings happen weekly in most towns and cities, both in person and online, and you can attend as many as you want.
- You do not need to register in advance or give personal information; you can walk in or join online and listen without speaking.
- Each meeting follows the same basic structure: readings, speaker shares, and group discussion, usually lasting about an hour.
- Sponsorship (a one-on-one relationship with an experienced member) is optional and develops naturally if you keep attending.
How to find a meeting near you
The official Al-Anon website has a meeting finder at al-anon.org. You enter your city or zip code and see meetings within a set distance, with times, locations, and whether each one is in person, online, or hybrid. The site updates regularly as meetings change.
If you search and find nothing close by, check again in a few weeks — new meetings start often. You can also call the Al-Anon hotline at 1-888-425-2666 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time) and ask a volunteer to suggest meetings in your area or nearby towns.
For Alateen specifically, the meeting finder shows which Al-Anon meetings have an Alateen component, or you can call the hotline and ask. Alateen meetings are sometimes held at the same time and place as adult Al-Anon meetings, in a separate room.
What happens at a meeting
Meetings typically last 60 minutes and follow a set order. The group opens with readings — usually the Al-Anon preamble (explaining what the program is) and the 12 steps. Then one or two members share their story for 10 to 15 minutes each. After that, the meeting opens for group discussion, and anyone can speak about their own experience.
You are never required to share. Many people attend several meetings before they speak. Listening is a complete and valid way to participate. The group also passes a basket for voluntary donations (usually $1 to $2) to cover rent and materials, but you can attend without donating.
Meetings end with announcements about upcoming events or other Al-Anon activities, and members often exchange phone numbers or go out for coffee afterward. This informal time is where many friendships and sponsor relationships begin.
In-person versus online meetings
In-person meetings happen at churches, community centers, hospitals, or other public spaces. You walk in, sit down, and the meeting starts. Some people prefer this because they meet others face-to-face and feel more connected to the group.
Online meetings use Zoom or similar platforms. You join from home on your computer or phone. Online meetings expanded during the pandemic and have stayed; they now make up a significant portion of available meetings in most areas. The structure and content are identical to in-person meetings.
Some meetings are hybrid, meaning they happen in a physical location and also stream online at the same time. This lets you attend in person or from home and still be part of the same meeting. The meeting finder shows which type each meeting is.
Sponsorship and deeper involvement
A sponsor is an experienced Al-Anon member who has worked the 12 steps and is willing to guide you through them one-on-one. Sponsorship is optional. Many people attend meetings for years without a sponsor and find the group support enough. Others want a sponsor to help them work through the steps more deeply.
You do not ask for a sponsor at your first meeting. You attend regularly, listen to who speaks, and when you feel ready, you can ask someone you trust. Most sponsors are happy to say yes or to suggest someone else if they cannot take on the role. There is no formal process — it is a personal relationship between two members.
Working with a sponsor typically means meeting or talking by phone once a week and going through the 12 steps at your own pace. This usually takes several months to a year. The sponsor shares their own experience but does not give information or tell you what to do.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring nothing to your first meeting except yourself. You do not need to register, fill out forms, or give your last name. You can introduce yourself as "I'm [first name], and I'm affected by someone else's drinking" or straightforward say nothing.
Meetings are confidential. What people share stays in the room. Members use first names only, and no one asks personal questions or takes notes. This confidentiality is a core principle and is stated at the start of every meeting.
If you are attending Alateen as a young person, you can go alone or bring a trusted adult. Some Alateen meetings require an adult sponsor (a non-drinking adult who attends regularly), but this varies by group. The meeting finder or a call to the hotline will tell you what your local Alateen group requires.
Cost and accessibility
Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are completely free. There are no membership fees, no registration costs, and no charge to attend. The voluntary donations that are passed around (usually $1 to $2) go toward renting the meeting space and printing materials. You can attend without donating.
Meetings are held throughout the week and at different times — early morning, lunch, evening, and late night — so you can usually find one that fits your schedule. Many areas have multiple meetings per day. If one meeting does not feel right, you can try another.
Online meetings remove barriers like transportation or childcare. You can join from home at any time. Some online meetings are recorded and posted later, though you cannot participate in a recorded meeting — you must join live to be part of the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell the drinker I am going to Al-Anon?
No. Al-Anon is for you, not for the drinker. Many members do not tell the person who drinks about their meetings. Others do. It is your choice. The program focuses on what you can control — your own thoughts, feelings, and actions — not on changing the drinker.
What if I go to one meeting and do not like it?
Try a different meeting. Each group has its own personality, and the time of day, location, and mix of people matter. Some meetings are quieter and more formal; others are more casual. You might also try an online meeting if the in-person ones near you do not feel right.
Can I bring my child to an Al-Anon meeting if there is no Alateen?
Most Al-Anon meetings do not allow children in the room because the discussions can include adult content. If you cannot find an Alateen meeting nearby, call the Al-Anon hotline at 1-888-425-2666 and ask about meetings in surrounding areas or online Alateen groups.
Is Al-Anon religious?
Al-Anon uses the language of a "higher power," which members define for themselves. You do not have to believe in God or any specific religion to attend. Many members are atheist or agnostic and interpret "higher power" as the group itself, nature, or something else entirely.
What if I cannot commit to going every week?
You can attend as often or as little as you want. Some people go once a week; others go several times a week. Some attend sporadically. There is no attendance requirement or expectation. Come when you can, and the group will be there.