Growing up in a broken house of mixed emotions

Growing up in a broken house of mixed emotions

I grew up in a broken house of mixed emotions. I felt loved and supported but there were also times throughout my childhood and teenage years when I felt alone, insecure and worried about the future.

As one of four children, I was not the only one who suffered. These harder times taught me to suppress my feelings and from a young age I learned to be resilient and independent.

I grew up in a house with one parent missing and the other heavily addicted to pain medications. As a result, a much-needed parental figure was often absent and that created many challenges in our home.

Developing a greater sense of compassion

Growing up in an environment like this has given me a great sense of compassion and understanding for children who have had to go through what we had to face.

We didn’t always have support as children and so I want to support Nacoa to help others

The addiction that my parent faced caused great struggles for them and for us as children. This has taught me a great sense of empathy for other families who currently face these issues.

Breaking the cycle

As an adult at the age of 39, I’m still working on breaking those cycles and finding the strength to believe in myself, to have confidence, and to love myself for who I am.

This also includes healing those fragmented relationships and this process of recovery is a lifelong journey. I am proud to report that I have been sober without drinking since July 2025 which to this day is just over ten months.

One day at a time

One day at a time trying to make my life better. Throughout my teenage years and my adulthood, I have struggled with my own addictions but now I choose to focus on my health, to improve my life and to help myself. I am doing this for me.

With the wonderful support of Nacoa, family and friends, we have this incredible chance to raise some funds and help vulnerable children. So many of us have had to face these trials and should never have to do it alone.

Sebastian

To read more experience stories, go to Support & Advice.

Growing up in a broken house of mixed emotions

I grew up in a broken house of mixed emotions. I felt loved and supported but there were also times throughout my childhood and teenage years when I felt alone, insecure and worried about the future.

As one of four children, I was not the only one who suffered. These harder times taught me to suppress my feelings and from a young age I learned to be resilient and independent.

Developing a greater sense of compassion

Growing up in an environment like this has given me a great sense of compassion and understanding for children who have had to go through what we had to face.

We didn’t always have support as children and so I want to support Nacoa to help others

The addiction that my parent faced caused great struggles for them and for us as children. This has taught me a great sense of empathy for other families who currently face these issues.

Breaking the cycle

As an adult at the age of 39, I’m still working on breaking those cycles and finding the strength to believe in myself, to have confidence, and to love myself for who I am.

One day at a time

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Growing up in a broken house of mixed emotions