Our Stories… Alcoholism  My mum has been an alcoholic since I was a baby. Everything I'm about to write is based on my own personal experience. The first thing people need to understand is that alcoholism is an illness. There is also some scientific evidence that suggests alcoholism is genetic. So it is important to understand and control your drinking habits. You should not judge anyone under the influence of alcohol, as they have no control over what they say or do.
It can take a very long time for an alcoholic to admit that they have a problem and even longer to admit that they need help. They also feel that they are not in control of their situation. They probably don't even realise that their actions are hurting the people around them. To me it used to seem as if the alcohol took priority over the rest of my family and me. I now know this wasn't true.  Mum was ill and the drink took over. In my family mum's alcoholism had a terrible affect. It tore the entire family apart. My family hardly talks to us. It made my brother's, my sister and me very cautious about people, it made it hard for us to trust anyone, it interfered with school, our friendships and we had to live in what we call the 'dark ages' because mum was always drinking every bit of money we had.
Basically it ruined us. I have to admit though, we are unbelievably close because of it. People ask us why we don't argue and fight like most brothers' and sisters, it's because we've been through so much together. I'm very lucky, things have improved, Mum and Dad are back together and she hasn't had a drink for seven months.  I know people always say 'talking helps', it really, really does. I didn't talk about it until last October. It made mum's illness easier to cope with. There are organisations that have been set up to help the families and people close to alcoholics. You can get the telephone numbers for them through your school or through directory enquiries. You can also ring Alcoholics Anonymous who will put you in contact with support groups. You can get their number through direct enquiries. Alternatively you can phone Childline 0800 11 11.
I'm living proof that no matter how bad things get, they can get better. If you or anybody you know are having problems with alcohol try the following places for help and support @ the Addictions Links Page. Read: By Jodie
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