Helpline experiences of a volunteer, Martin’s story

“Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

| January 12, 2014

“Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though she knows it is wrong and wants to know what to do. Where can she get help when no one will believe her?

Being able to reassure her that I do believe her, she is not alone and that things can get better certainly helped. I could hear the change in her voice when she started to realise that she wasn’t alone with these feelings, someone really does believe her and that there are genuine people, at the end of the phone, who want to help.

She said to me “The sense of relief is unbelievable, someone believes me at last!”

The call started with tears and ended with laughter. What better reason to be on the helpline?”

Martin

Helpline

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Helpline experiences of a volunteer, Martin’s story

“Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when sh...

Helpline experiences of a volunteer, Martin’s story

“Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when sh...

  • About Nacoa

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • About Nacoa

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Contact us Person looking at Nacoa's website for people affected by a parent's drinking to show different ways to contact for support or to get involved with the charity to help other children of alcoholics

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Governance

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Nacoa Helpline

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Calling the helpline

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Helpline FAQs

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Monitoring & evaluation

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Policies & procedures

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Abie Dunlop

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Amanda Brett

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Amy Dickson

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Carolyn Jones

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Ceri Walker

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Dr Anne-Marie Barron

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Dr Piers Henriques

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Euan Graham Euan Graham

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Hilary Henriques MBE

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Jane Elson

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Josh Connolly

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Katy Stafford

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Laura Leadbeater

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Laurence McAllister Alleyne

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Maya Parker MA

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Peter Irwin

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • The Nacoa Promise

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Become a corporate member

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Become a member

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Welcome new member

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Donate in memory

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Gift in your will

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Give in celebration

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Make a donation

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Thank you!

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • More ways to give

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Fundraising

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Raise awareness

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Volunteering

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Message board rules of conduct

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Nacoa: Helping everyone affected by their parent's drinking Nacoa UK Helping everyone affected by their parent's drinking

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Features

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • News

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

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    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Research & resources

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Books, videos and media

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Nacoa professionals training

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Nacoa publications

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Research

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Widening Access

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Some Punjabi and Sikh parents drink too much…

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Support & advice

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Adults

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Books, videos and media

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • FAQs

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Help and advice

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Information

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Personal experiences

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Children

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Books, videos and media

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • FAQs

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Help and advice

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Information

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Personal experiences

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Concerned others & professionals

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Books, videos and media

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • FAQs

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Help and advice

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Information

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Personal experiences

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Young people

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Books, videos and media

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • FAQs

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Help and advice

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Information

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Personal experiences

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

  • Topics

    “Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though …

“Answering the phone to a distressed woman can be a difficult start, especially when she tells you that she has been conditioned to believe that her upbringing in an alcoholic family is ‘normal’ and never to talk to anyone outside the family about the ‘secret’. Fifteen years on and she is still struggling, even though she knows it is wrong and wants to know what to do. Where can she get help when no one will believe her?

Being able to reassure her that I do believe her, she is not alone and that things can get better certainly helped. I could hear the change in her voice when she started to realise that she wasn’t alone with these feelings, someone really does believe her and that there are genuine people, at the end of the phone, who want to help.

She said to me “The sense of relief is unbelievable, someone believes me at last!”

The call started with tears and ended with laughter. What better reason to be on the helpline?”

Martin

Helpline

Recent Donations

You are not alone

Remember the Six "C"s

I didn’t cause it
I can’t control it
I can’t cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices

Resources you may like

The 1 in 5 Documentary: A film about the forgotten children of alcoholics

By John Taylor
5-Step Self-Help Handbook for Family Members

By AFINet
Nacoa lunchtime lives

By Josh Connolly and special guests
Find Your Oasis – A collection of writing from those affected

By Various
Catch Me When I Fall

By Dr Tony Rao
Paper Therapy – COA Edition

By Various authors

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