Behandlingscenter Tjele is a Danish organisation that offers professional help and treatment for various types of addiction, such as alcohol, drugs, medication and gambling. With more than 30 years of experience and approved by all insurance companies, it operates centres across the country, where people can receive inpatient or outpatient treatment, depending on their needs and preferences.

One of the services that Behandlingscenter Tjele provides is a free treatment program for teenagers who grow up in families with addiction problems. The program is called De små Skuldre (The Small Shoulders) and it aims to help young people cope with the challenges and consequences of living with an addicted parent.

It is important for teenagers in addiction families to get help so that problems do not become entrenched and grow larger. Symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, mood swings, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Many young people also find it difficult to thrive with friends and partners.

According to the Danish Health Authority, approximately 122,000 children grow up in a family where one or more have an alcohol problem. About every third Dane has a family member with an alcohol problem – either in the nuclear family or in the extended family.

Find more Behandlingscenter Tjele (Denmark, 2023)

De små Skuldre is a program offered by Behandlingscenter Tjele. The program is aimed at helping young people who have grown up in families with addiction problems. It is publicly supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs and is a free treatment offer for all children of alcoholics and addicts under 25 years of age.

Many of the young people who come to De små Skuldre are doing well in their education, getting good grades, being caring, and taking good care of their friends. They adapt and adapt and adapt… yes, from the outside everything is good. However, inside these young people, it is not so good. The only thing that thrives there are negative thoughts, self-criticism, guilt and shame.

The program consists of group sessions or individual counselling with experienced psychologists, where the teenagers can share their feelings and worries, learn about self-esteem, boundaries and coping skills, and meet other peers in similar situations. The program is available for young people aged 13-17 who live in Jutland.