Before coming to Alateen, I thought taking care of myself was selfish. Whenever I woke my dad up so I could get to school on time, I thought I was being selfish. Reminding him that we needed dinner was being selfish. And even asking for my basic needs to be met seemed selfish. As my home life got worse, my need for Alateen grew. When I had to stop talking to my dad, I looked at it as self‑care. When I had to ignore his texts, I saw it as self‑care. When I went back on my own terms, it was out of self‑care. Through Alateen, I’ve learned my needs are not selfish if they help me maintain my safety and sanity.

By Sienna, Missouri

Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2020