The shame and secrecy of having an alcoholic mother
She was an alcoholic. So much shame and secrecy surrounded that word.
She was an alcoholic. So much shame and secrecy surrounded that word.
Young People
Broken promises and heartache
Growing up as a child of an alcoholic shaped my life.
Growing up as a child of an alcoholic shaped my life.
I was always waiting for Hyde to reappear
I knew that when my dad had been drinking to stay out of the way.
I knew that when my dad had been drinking to stay out of the way.
My ‘how to guide’: Becoming the perfect scapegoat
My family members would use my behaviour to justify the parental drinking.
My family members would use my behaviour to justify the parental drinking.
Caterpillars and Butterflies
The stigma, the family I no longer speak to—what will the backlash be?
The stigma, the family I no longer speak to—what will the backlash be?
Growing Up With a Parent Who is an Alcoholic
Talking about having a family member who is an alcoholic is still taboo in our country.
Talking about having a family member who is an alcoholic is still taboo in our country.
I didn’t have a choice as a child, but I do as an adult
Everyone commented on how lovely she was but behind closed doors she was anything but.
Everyone commented on how lovely she was but behind closed doors she was anything but.
Racing Alone
Training alone. Racing alone. A poem by Lydia to give hope to COAs.
Training alone. Racing alone. A poem by Lydia to give hope to COAs.
It wasn’t your fault
Please know that you are not the reason for your father’s rage.
Please know that you are not the reason for your father’s rage.
I thought of her as selfish, but now I understand
My mum Cheryl passed away suddenly in March at just 58.
My mum Cheryl passed away suddenly in March at just 58.
