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 […]
Category: Affected by addiction
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 […]
Why I will never stop talking about Addiction
Today marks the end of National Alcohol awareness Week, I’ve done my bit (I hope) shared some snippets of my personal experience of being at the harsh end of alcoholism. It’s been years since I was in the thick of my own addiction and drowning in my attempts to rescue dad from his. We can […]
A Modern-Day Fairy Tale
A True Story He called it love But it didn’t feel like love to her To the outside world He was the perfect guy It was like he could walk on water But unbeknown to her She was just another lamb to the slaughter Like butter wouldn’t melt She had to disguise how she really […]
The therapeutic act of writing
For years after Dad’s death, I would often dream of Dad. Unfortunately, most felt more like nightmares. The most common one was that he was alive, but I could never work out how? The memories of his burial would be clear as day in my mind, stood by his grave, throwing in a single red […]
