Technology has allowed us to continue S-Anon gatherings in the absence of in-person, face-to-face meetings. This raises questions regarding S-Ateen participation including, “Are teens allowed in S-Anon meetings?”
S-Ateen members (ages 12 to 19) are part of the S-Anon International Family Groups in accordance with the S-Anon World Service Conference Charter: “The term S-Anon includes S-Ateen. Therefore, the above Charter applies to all registered groups, including S-Ateen.” As such, S-Ateen members are welcome to attend any S-Anon meeting – both virtual and in-person.
Whether an S-Anon or S-Ateen member, it takes great courage to attend that first meeting. And even if it’s not a member’s first meeting, joining a new group can be just as daunting. Whatever the circumstances, it is important to extend a warm welcome to all newcomers, both S-Anon and S-Ateen.
Tradition Three: “The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of sexaholism in a relative or friend.”
Referring to Tradition Three when making decisions on who can attend S-Anon meetings, keeps it simple and takes personal opinions out of the discussion. If someone is there for their own recovery, being affected by another person’s sexaholism, they belong, regardless of age.
Tradition Five: “Each S-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of sexaholics. We do this by encouraging and understanding our sexaholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of sexaholics.”
S-Anon’s one purpose is to help families of sexaholics. We do this by welcoming, encouraging, and understanding our sexaholic relatives. This includes S-Ateen members.
For a more thorough Traditions-based explanation on this issue, please refer to Appendix D in the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual.
Discussions on including S-Ateen members in S-Anon meetings and recovery events – both in-person and virtual — are encouraged. Support is available from the S-Ateen Committee, and S-Anon members may also contact their Area Delegate or Regional Trustee for more information. The S-Ateen Committee Chair can be reached at [email protected].