What you need to know

Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counselor or therapist. This support network complements and supports professional treatment.

Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. Alateen is not a program for young people seeking sobriety.

Al-Anon Family Groups, which includes Alateen, has been in existence for 60+ years as a community resource providing support to those affected by someone else’s drinking. Currently, there are over 24,000 Al-Anon groups and nearly 1,500 Alateen groups meeting in 118 countries.

All meetings are anonymous and confidential. There are no dues or fees for members. Visit our Meeting Directory page for meeting information in the San Diego and San Diego North County area.

Public Outreach service tools help communicate the message of Al-Anon/Alateen to the community through outreach to professionals, to the media, to institutions, and to the general public. Our goals are to attract newcomers to our fellowship and to inform professionals who work with families and friends of alcoholics about the Al-Anon/Alateen program. Public Outreach encompasses Outreach to the Public/Media (Public Information or PI), Outreach to Professionals (Cooperating with the Professional Community or CPC), and Outreach to Institutions.