CAL – Alateen–Hope for Children of Alcoholics (Item # B-3)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. Alateen began in 1957, but they didn’t have their first hardcover book until this one came out in 1973.  Its origins were a pamphlet (which has been discontinued) & it was expanded to now have sections for Steps, Traditions, Slogans, Personal Stories, & an Alateen Timeline. 2. At 120 pages, it’s…

CAL – Living Today in Alateen (Item # B-26)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. Unlike the other Alateen daily reader, “Alateen-a day at a time, (item # B-10), since “Living Today in Alateen” (B-26) is the newer one (from 2001) it includes quotes from “Courage to Change” (B-16), “From Survival to Recovery” (item # B-21), & “Paths to Recovery” (B-24).  For some reason, I assumed…

CAL – Alateen Talk Newsletter (Item # N/A)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This is the eleventh & last item in the Alateen Newcomer Packet (item # K-18) & is a full issue of a newsletter – not an excerpt.  The particular one in this packet is 8 pages total, has feedback on a writing workshop & an Alateen Conference, various sharings from members around…

CAL – Alateen Talk Subscription Form (Item # N/A)

WHAT I LEARNED: This is the tenth item in the Alateen Newcomer Packet (item # K-18).  Every registered Alateen group should already be receiving a copy of this quarterly newsletter (that will be the next item I review), but individuals can also order their own personal copy using this form.  As of this year, 2013, the…

CAL – Just for Today Alateen Bookmark (Item # M-13)

WHAT I LEARNED: This is the fifth item in the Alateen Newcomer Packet (item # K-18) & it’s very different than the Al-Anon bookmark by the same name (item # M-12).  The “Thank You God” prayer is a good gratitude reminder for those days when I can’t think of anything to be grateful for!

CAL – If Your Parents Drink Too Much… (Item # P-22)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This is the fourth item in the Alateen Newcomer Packet (item # K-18) & is a cartoon booklet.  Technically, it’s not categorized as an “Outreach” item, but I think it could be because it looks like the only thing in the entire packet (& our entire CAL catalog) that would appeal to…

CAL – Alateen Do’s & Don’ts (Item # M-9)

WHAT I LEARNED: This is the third item in the Alateen Newcomer Packet (item # K-18) & is a great wallet-size reminder of do’s & don’ts that can apply to anyone – not just Alateen members.

CAL – Youth & the Alcoholic Parent (Item # P-21)

Last week I finished the Professional Packet (item # K-30).  (What I learned about all the other items in that packet can be found in previous entries for the general Al-Anon Newcomer Packet (K-10).)   …This week, I’m starting the very last packet, whew! WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This is the second pamphlet in the Alateen Newcomer Packet…

CAL – Facts about Alateen (Item # P-41)

WHAT I LEARNED: This is the sixth item in the Professional Packet (item # K-30) & is very cut & dry info about Alateen – no extra frills or sharings in this pamphlet, just the facts ma’am!  I did find it interesting that while the Alateen 12 Steps are exactly the same as Al-Anon’s, some of their…

CAL – Courage to Be Me – Living with Alcoholism (Item # B-23)

WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This is the first Alateen book I’ve ever read & I was not prepared!  I should’ve had a box of tissues along with it – especially for the “Happy/Sad” section that begins on page 300.  The simplicity & direct honesty felt like I was reading a bunch of diary entries from…

CAL – Dear Mom & Dad (Item # P-67)

WHAT I LEARNED: This is the fifth pamphlet in the general Al-Anon Newcomer Packet (item # K-10).  It mostly features testimonials from Alateen members, but what I really found interesting is this was the first time I’ve read the Alateen preamble.  I thought only a few words would be changed compared to the one I’m used to…