I don't know if this is useful for your situation, but I was very impressed with
the program our son went to at Rush. (I'm in Chicago too.) He went to the adult
program because he was 20 at the time, but I think they have a program
specifically for teenagers. Rush's program is based on the Twelve Steps, and
they require attendance at AA meetings--at least that's the case in the adult
program.

My thoughts are with you. You're doing the right thing in facing your son's
problems this early--I wish I had been that quick with our son.

Rich

--- In chicagoalanon@yahoogroups.com, "clm801s" <clm801s@y...> wrote:
> Hi - I am brand new to this group, though not to Alanon. My ex-
> husband, who is now recovering for some time, prompted me to get
> involved in Alanon almost 20 years ago. We have a 14 year old son, who
> has, unfortunately, recently shown some scary behavior - he's gotten
> drunk twice in the last couple of months. I know that for teenagers
> now that's not so unusual, however, his particular reason for drinking
> had to do with numbing emotional pain, not partying. in both cases it
> involved disappointment about a girl - but the intensity of his
> feelings and his behavior (he got drunk and in the first instance also
> cut himself inentionally) was a huge red flag. He goes to a counselor,
> but I am obviously terribly concerned about his abuse of alcohol at
> such a young age. Do any of you know if there are meetings or
> resources specifically relating to teenage drinkers? I'd appreciate
> any help you could provide. I live in Chicago.
> thanks so much. Carol