Alateen is a program associated with Alanon, however its primary purpose is to help young people who have been affected by someone else's drinking. A member of Alanon works in support of each Alateen group and helps to guide and provide a safe place for young people to come and deal with issues they have related to the alcoholic in their lives. The sponsor from Alanon helps younger members in Alanon understand the principles of the Alanon program and share information about the 12-step program with them. Often times Alateen groups meet at the same time as Alanon meetings, only in separate rooms, or Alateen has joint meetings with Alanon.

Many alcoholics or even adults think that alcoholism does not really affect young people, however young people do have to deal with the pain of having an alcoholic in their lives, along with having to figure out how to grow up and learn about themselves. Alateen teaches trust and provides consistency for young people who otherwise experience constant turmoil and chaos as a result of someone else's drinking. Alateen also teaches young people about AA and other 12-step programs so that if drinking becomes a problem for them or their friends they know where to turn for help.

Through discusses problems and encouraging one another, Alateen members learn how to deal with their problems without having to become a victim or blame the alcoholic. By viewing alcoholism, or compulsive drinking as a disease, Alateen teaches young people to detach from the problem drinker and love the person from a distance.

Many young people get into the habit of blaming themselves for the actions of the alcoholic, thinking that if they had done something better the alcoholic would change. Alateen shows young people that they are powerless over the actions of other people and that they are in no way responsible for the alcoholism of another person.

Instead of hiding in the shadows of the alcoholic or engaging in behavior aimed to change the alcoholic's ways, Alateen teaches independence and encourages young people to follow their dreams and not be hindered by alcoholism. Because alcoholism is a family disease, it is essential to include young people in the recovery process since they have been in the disease for so long.

At Spencer Recovery Centers, we provide referrals and suggestions for family members and young people who have alcoholics in their lives. Through the use of programs such as Alanon and Alateen young people can heal from the scars of alcoholism. If you or someone you know has a problem, or needs help dealing with a problem drinker, please contact us for more information. At Spencer rebuilding families is possible. 800. 334. 3094.