5 Comments

Such a great insight into how living as the child of an alcoholic affected you. I understand the shame of people knowing you might be thinking about AA or AlAnon - I got sober in AA 14 years ago and it took years for the shame to subside, especially as a mum. 🙏🏼

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I'm so sorry, I did see your comment but I'm still getting to grips with Substack! The shame is an interesting emotion that I'm only really getting into now. I read an article the other day about the shame associated with being sober rather than when drinking, which I kind of get. I wish I could find it again because it was such an interesting insight. Congratulations on your 14 years.

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Oh that’s a really interesting take - if you find it, I’d love to read it. I think it’s very strange how people react when you say you don’t drink - repeatedly offering you. I just say now I’m an alcoholic.

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I too am a daughter of a father who drank, changed and was violent with my mother. I picked up at 15 and galloped towards oblivion until I stopped. It's been 39 years. I love the honestyand the acceptence in your piece. Thank you.

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Congratulations on these first steps. I did not share much about my mother until after her passing. I'm not sure in retrospect if that decision had more to do with me or my mother. Nonetheless, it was easier to begin processing the grief and pain of our lives together once she had passed on. Keep up the good work! I'll be tagging along in the comments. 💜

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