Family Illness, Family Recovery

I AM a 41-year-old mother of two children and have lived in a small village in North Wales all of my life.  I did not drink alcoholically during the first period of my life but after suffering a traumatic experience my alcoholism took off. Once this started to occur it took over my life.  Then the losses began - my professional employment went, including my certificate to practise, followed by my driving licence.  I was also in danger of losing my children.  There was also a noticeable decline in my mental health.  Even though I was unaware at the time that I was powerless, I could not get sober even though I was well aware that I was damaging my children.

I was constantly at Accident and Emergency following accidents such as falling down stairs when drunk.  I was suffering from chronic depression and anxiety. As a result, I was sectioned due to the risk I posed to myself.  I was assessed by psychiatrists and engaged in cognitive behaviour therapy.  I was also attending the substance misuse team - all in an attempt to reduce my alcohol intake. As a last resort I went to a rehab hoping this might cure me but I still continued to drink.  This intervention helped me to stop drinking at times but I still could not stay stopped.

Today, thankfully, I am just over a year sober.  I have achieved this by becoming a committed member of AA. By meeting with other alcoholics and bringing the Twelve Step Programme into my everyday life. I have finally understood that I am allergic to alcohol.  I attend meetings regularly, am involved in service.  My children are able to join me in activities such as walks with other alcoholics, and attending an open meeting.  We are truly now an AA family, because I am able to stay away from a drink a day at a time.  I am indeed blessed.

A GRATEFUL ALCOHOLIC, North Wales