No matter how difficult our situation, we can build a better life for ourselves by remembering to reach out for recovery. Just keep these points in mind:

• Alateen has helped many others. None of us is alone—many other teenagers have gone through the same problems that we have.
• Alcoholism affects the person who drinks and those who are close to the problem drinker.
• Learning the facts about alcoholism can make it easier to accept it as a disease.
• Another person’s addiction to alcohol is no reflection on us. Remember that we didn’t cause it, and cannot control or cure it.
• We are not responsible for the alcoholic’s behavior.
• It helps to talk things over with someone we trust.
• Being patient with ourselves and our families is important. Alcoholism has affected us and our families for a long time, and it may take a long time to recover.
• Try to improve, “One Day at a Time.”
• Attend Alateen, Al‑Anon, and open A.A. meetings.
• Study the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. They are an important part of the Alateen program.