Alateen: Support for the Children of Alcoholics

Alcoholism is a disease that has the potential to wreak havoc on the lives of both the addict and their loved ones (Read Alcoholism’s Effects on the Family).  Unlike spouses, parents, and other adult relatives and friends, the children of alcoholics are often unable to simply walk away from a bad situation – at least not without the help of the other parent or another relative (Read Custody: Where Should the Children of an Addict Be?); alcohol has been implicated in numerous cases of child abuse and neglect (Read The Addict Parent: What it Means for Child Development). In addition to the immediate emotional impact of watching a family member slowly destroy their physical and mental health (Read Alcoholism from the Inside), the children of alcoholics are at an increased risk for marrying an alcoholic in the future and becoming one themselves (Read Repeating the Past: Marrying an Alcoholic and Addiction and Genetics).

What is Alateen?

Alateen is the youth division of the Al-Anon support groups, all of which are designed for the family members of alcoholics (Read Al-Anon: Support for Loved Ones of Addicts).  Alateen group meetings are usually run by Al-Anon members and are held at schools, community centers, churches, or other similar locations.  You can locate a meeting near you by calling 1-888-425-2666 during regular business hours.  The support group for alcoholics is Alcoholics Anonymous and, for individuals who are addicted to other drugs, Narcotics Anonymous.

Why should the children of an alcoholic go to Alateen meetings?

A major benefit of attending support groups is to see that you are not alone; many others share the fears and frustrations that you do about the drinking behaviors of their parent or parents (Read Strength in Numbers: Reasons to Join a Support Group).  Although the best situation would likely be to participate in both therapy and Alateen meetings, if someone is unable to afford family or individual therapy, Alateen can help individuals express and resolve negative feelings toward the addict and about themselves as well as learn healthy ways to cope with life that do not involve substances (Read Choosing to Forgive an Addict and Stressed? Avoid Unhealthy Coping Strategies).

What happens at a meeting?

In addition to that mentioned above, those who attend are encourage to share their personal experiences; they may learn about 12-step programs and that they are in no way responsible for the choices that the alcoholic has made (Read The History of the 12-Step Program).

Can someone go to an Alateen meeting if their parent is addicted to another substance like marijuana or cocaine?

Anyone in the appropriate age range can attend an Alateen meeting; however, the focus during meetings is on the experiences of the children of alcoholics.  Even if your parent is addicted to some other drug, it may still be helpful to attend and listen; there are many similarities between addictions, and you may make friends at a meeting who you can discuss your personal situation with at a later time (Read For Teens: How to Help Your Parent and Yourself).