Al-Anon and Al-Ateen - Grand Avenue

Al-Anon and Al-Ateen, Grand Avenue Branch, are mutual support programs for adolescents and adults in San Francisco, California. They offer no-cost, community-based counseling services for individuals whose loved ones are facing alcohol addictions.

Al-Anon connects individuals whose lives have been touched by alcoholism, regardless of whether their friend or family member is currently in an alcohol or drug rehab program. At regular group therapy sessions, participants can share how their loved one’s addiction has impacted their lives. Al-Ateen meetings follow the same model, allowing adolescents typically between the ages of 12 and 19 to meet and connect with peers. Meetings are a combination of open sharing and instructor-led education, providing insight into what addiction is, how it develops, the changes it catalyzes, and how participants can assist in recovery.

Just as clients in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) follow a 12-step program toward sobriety, Al-Anon and Al-Ateen participate in a similar stages-of-change approach that affirms each step and relates it to their experience. Each step takes a whole-person approach to recovery, focusing on every aspect of a person’s emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual state. While sponsors are not required in these programs, they are encouraged to provide support and encouragement as participants apply the 12 step model to their own lives.

Al-Anon and Al-Ateen programs are provided free of charge to clients. However, peers or leaders in these groups may refer participants to local addiction recovery centers, mental health programs, or medical facilities. These treatments may be covered by major insurance providers, such as BlueCross/BlueShield, Cigna, Anthem, or Bright Health. Contact your provider to verify coverage because out of network benefits can vary.