Alateen groups help local teens

Local Alateen groups are gathering again to help teenagers who have family members who are alcoholics.

The District 28 Alateen groups were interrupted by COVID and have been slow getting back, but they are returning in locations such as Stilly Valley Health Connections, Smokey Point Community Church and the Immaculate Conception Arlington Church.

District 28 includes Arlington, Smokey Point, Stanwood, Granite Falls and Camano Island.

Alateen is a partner program to Al-Anon, and is meant to support the family of alcoholics.

“I was affected as a young child. At the age of five I became my dad’s bartender,” said the adult facilitator of the local Alateen group, who requested anonymity due to the nature of the program. “It affected me and my social life at school to the extent I was constantly in trouble because I was acting out and nobody could figure out why, and I didn’t know why."

Later in his life, the adult facilitator said he raised two children as a widower, but eventually met a new partner.

“It turns out I married myself another alcoholic. And that was okay with me because I was used to living with alcoholics,” he said.

Eventually he found his way to Al-Anon which changed his perspective on how he had been living.

“I found out ‘wow, I’m not in control of anything,’” he said.

The local Alateen groups are specifically meant for youth going through similar experiences.

“It’s a really welcoming place and you’re not going to be judged in any way,” said one of the teenage leaders that is a part of the program who also requested anonymity.

“The people are there to help you and have been through things similar to what you have been to,” she said.

The group meetings are typically about sharing and talking.

“We sit down and typically there’s a big group of us. We share what’s on our minds and hearts, as well as reading the literature to find a topic,” said the teenager.

“We help each other through whatever we’re going through,” she added.

She credits the program with helping her opening up.

“When I came into the program I was really shy and closed off,” she said. “I can be myself and I don’t have to worry what people think of me. Which helps me open up and be more confident."

The adult facilitator said the community of a group helps a lot of people.

“It’s so wonderful to find out that you’re not alone and there are many people out there suffering through the same thing,” he said. “My first three meetings in Al-Anon I think I just cried."

He said the meetings are a welcoming place for all those who want to come.

“I recognize it takes courage to walk into that first meeting and they’re courageous people to do so,” he said.

More information about District 28 Alateen and Al-Anon meetings are available by calling 360-618-0464 or by going to district28alanon.com.

A chatline is also available at alateen.chat.net.