One of my students wrote a moving essay about his experience with Alateen and how it is helping him deal with alcoholism in his family.

As a teacher, I can almost see the future for children who are carrying heavy burdens that get buried, but not forgotten. These burdens are so much harder to work through as more time goes on, and they can manifest in self‑destructive ways when unresolved.

I am so happy for my student that he has Alateen and is able to process his experience with others, and then express it in his writing. I hope that Alateen can help others find hope and comfort, and [then] use this to break the cycle of alcoholism in their lives.

By Lynne Carrick
Sixth Grade Teacher
Spokane, Washington
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2013