ADOLESCENTS AND ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
For the adolescent with an alcohol/substance problem, how might AA be of use? The first thought might be that the adolescent would never identify with a group of predominantly 35- to 55-year-olds. In many areas, that stereotype of the AA group does not necessarily hold true; there are now in some locales what are called “young people’s groups.” There the average age is the low to mid-20s. Even if there are no young people’s groups in your vicinity, age need not be a barrier to an adolescent’s affiliating with AA. On the contrary, several features of AA might attract and intrigue the adolescent. It is a group of adults who will definitely not preach at him. Furthermore, given the collective life experiences within AA, the members are not likely to be shocked, outraged, or, for that matter, impressed by any of the adolescent’s behavior. The members will generally treat the adolescent as an adult, presumably capable of making responsible choices, although cognizant that to do so isn’t easy for anyone. There is within AA a ready assortment of potential surrogate parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. The intergenerational contact, possibly not available elsewhere to the adolescent, can be a plus. Also, AA remains sufficiently “unacceptable” so as not to be automatically written off by the adolescent wary of traditional, staid, “establishment,” and out-of-it adult groups. Because being alcoholic or a drug abuser is still a stigmatized condition, the parents may be more uncomfortable than their children about AA attendance for adolescents. The counselor may need to help parents with this. In making a referral, the same guidelines outlined in the section on AA would apply. The adolescent is full of surprises; his receptivity to AA may well be another.Prevention. One important task for anyone working with adolescents is to be aware of the potential problems that virtually any adolescent may encounter with respect to alcohol and drugs. Even if adolescents are not currently into drugs or alcohol, anticipatory discussion with them as to how they might handle the situation when it inevitably arises can be very helpful. For the adolescent who is having a problem of some kind, an alcohol/ drug history is imperative. In many communities there are efforts underway through parent groups and groups of adolescents to support the development of healthy peer values and norms about alcohol/drug use.*154\331\2*
