Did you know there is an Alateen Group in Lihu‘e? “Youth and the Alcoholic Parent” explains that Alateen is part of the Al -Anon Family Groups. Young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or
Did you know there is an Alateen Group in Lihu‘e? “Youth and the Alcoholic Parent” explains that Alateen is part of the Al -Anon Family Groups. Young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or close friend come together. Members help one another by sharing their experiences, strength and hope.
When someone in a family becomes a problem drinker, all of the members of that family are affected. Even if the teen can’t change the drinking person, (s)he can learn ways to solve the problems that the alcoholism has created. Being with other teens who share the same experience has helped many. Who would know better the stresses, and pain, than someone else who lives with the same problem? Alateen helps teens detach from the drinker’s problems while still loving the person.
Many times teenagers think that they are the only ones with the problems of living with a problem drinker. They may be embarrassed to bring friends over, or tell lies to cover up for the problems in the home. It really relieves the burden to find out that others also have the same problem, and that’s it’s not only O.K. for you to let others know the little secret, but that it begins the healing process to do so.
Another handout, called, “Alateen Dos and Don’ts” gives some helpful hints for living with an alcoholic. Some of the “do’s” for Alateens are: “Do remember you are not the only one with an alcoholic parent.” “Do learn all you can about alcoholism, a family disease.” “Do be honest with yourself and others.” “Do use your talents in ways that interest you.”
Here are some don’ts: “Don’t cover up for the alcoholic and take on responsibilities other than your own.” “Don’t try to make the alcoholic stop drinking-you can’t.” “Don’t argue with an active alcoholic.” “Don’t take it personally when the alcoholic blames you for drinking-any excuse will do.”
Alateen meetings are always confidential. Members are careful to protect each other’s anonymity. They do not discuss religion or become involved with any outside organizations. They focus on the solutions to the problems of their members. Each Alateen group needs to have two sponsors who have been Al-Anon members for at least two years. Al-Anon is for adults whose lives have been affected by an alcoholic family member or close friend.
The sponsors don’t tell the Alateens how to run the meeting. They let the kids decide how to run the meeting, how often it will meet, and how long the meeting will go for.
If any of this sounds like it might help you or a friend, call: 346-6784. For more information, visit www.al-anon.alateen.org.
• Questions? A support group of adults in our community have ‘stepped into the corner’ for our teens, to answer questions and give support to youth and their families! Please e-mail your questions and concerns facing our youth and families today to LaVerne Bishop, Program Director of Hale ‘Opio, at lbishop@haleopio.org
