Teenagers affected by someone else’s alcohol abuse have a new place to find support in Jefferson County.
On Sept. 18, a new Alateen group began meeting in Festus. The group continues to hold meetings from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday of the month at First United Methodist Church, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus.
It is the only Alateen group in Jefferson County, said Carole, one of the group’s sponsors.
Part of the Al-Anon Family Groups for people affected by alcohol abuse, Alateen is a program for people ages 13-18. Alateen is not a religious program, and no fees or dues are required to participate.
Those who attend Alateen meetings have the chance to meet other teens in similar situations.
According to the Al-Anon website, Alateen is a place where members come together to share experiences, strength and hope with each other to find effective ways to cope with problems; discuss difficulties and encourage one another; and help each other understand the principles of the Al-Anon program through the use of the Twelve Steps and Alateen’s Twelve Traditions.
Carole said participation in the program can help teens grow and learn a lot of coping strategies.
“Addiction is at a rampage right now, and (Alateen) is very much needed,” she said. “Whether it’s alcoholism or whatever, the program can help. It’s for the person affected, not for the alcoholic. AA is a good program for that.”
Carole said she had been trying to get an Alateen program started in Jefferson County for five years. She previously served as a sponsor for an Alateen program in another area before moving back to Jefferson County.
“I struggled with getting enough people (in Jefferson County) trained to help,” she said.
Carole started going to a Serenity Seekers Al-Anon group in Festus, and several stepped up to be trained and go through the background checks.
“We have eight sponsors trained and willing to take on this program,” she said. “Most are from Serenity Seekers.”
She said several Al-Anon group members have teenage children and expressed how much teens needed their own program.
Carole said some of the teens attend Al-Anon meetings, but she believes they relate better to their peers than to adults.
“Their problems are different than adults,” she said.
Carole said the Alateen group welcomes teens affected by drug abuse, as well alcohol abuse.
“Alcohol is basically a drug like meth or any other kind of drug,” she said, adding that the effects of addiction to drugs and alcohol are the same.
Alateen is run by the teens, with guidance from the sponsors.
For more information about Alateen or to find another Al-Anon group, call 636-364-8845 or 636-364-8855 or email alateen63012@gmail.com.