A poem I composed written following a conversation with a woman who recently lost her sister to alcoholism. Another taken far too soon. It’s called “Unanswered Questions” I’m still unsure when it all began or where things went wrong. But I do know I feel bereft and that my heart aches from actions undone. […]
Category: Affected by addiction
Unlocking the Magic of Writing:A Personal Journey of Reflection
It was whilst caring for my father in his battle with alcoholism that I first found solace in journaling. My writing fell silent when he passed, but the urge to share my experience of being an affected family member never waned. I’d dabbled with the idea of writing a book and had at various times […]
Writing has opened doors within me that I never knew existed
You would think writing a memoir would be easy. After all, you have all the facts, but it’s not, hence why it’s taking so friggin long. I used to put loads of pressure on myself by setting deadlines, especially after someone asked, “when’s the book gonna be ready?”. But I’m learning that my writing cannot be […]
Ever heard of ARBD? (Alcohol-Related Brain Damage)– Nah, me neither
Well that was until recently We are familiar with terms such as intoxication or drunkenness; however, these terms are rarely associated or linked to brain damage. I had heard about Korsakoff syndrome, a chronic memory disorder associated with alcoholism. All the signs were there with dad, but he was never formally diagnosed. Moreover, over the […]
What about the 89% – A professional and very personal victory
Writing has become my go-to companion, my friend. It helps me make sense of this fucked up world. The reality is that some days are more complicated than others, and there are some days I could throw in the towel. But today is a good day. In fact, I am still trying to process it, […]
RIP Lego Man – Gone but never forgotten
I have lost count of the people I have come across whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by addiction. Whether it be from families to communities plagued by drug-related crime, which is often complicated by the knowledge that those committing crimes are often victims themselves. It’s like a vicious cycle with no end […]
After years of searching, I have finally found my tribe – COA
As you are aware, I am writing my memoir about my own journey with addiction and caring for dad with Alcoholism. I have worked in the addiction field for years and only recently came across a project called NACOA. In the summer of 2021, I came heard about a poetry competition they were running and […]
Its not just the Alcoholic that needs help
Caring for someone who is dependent on substances feels like you are about to take part in a three-legged steeplechase. In front of you are many obstacles all of which must be overcome to get them over that elusive recovery finishing line. One of the biggest hurdles is getting your loved one to participate, but […]
When resentments interfere with our ability to care
I hadn’t seen or spoken to dad three years before he came back into my life. At the time, I couldn’t work how I was unable to turn my back on him and walk away. It felt like there was a constant battle between my heart and mind, and I could not find a truce. […]
Dear Dad
Your addiction came out of the blue I never saw it coming There were times I felt like running But I couldn’t and I didn’t To stay or to walk away My decision varied every day One day I’d be standing my ground And the next my resolve could not be found Even the days […]
