About
No, I’m not an alcoholic. But my father is. I’m 29 years old and grew up in an alcoholic home. I had what I thought was a normal childhood filled with some really great memories. I also have some not so great ones too. My past has made me who I am today. An that is a recovering codependent.
Alcohol rears its ugly head
Talking to my mom recently, I told her when I first thought that my dad had a problem with alcohol. It was the summer of 1990. I was 11 years old then. Although she says he’s had alcoholic tendencies since they were married, she believes this is about the time when she began to see an increase in his drinking.
Fast forward another ten years and he became a full-fledged alcoholic. Hitting rock-bottom and losing his job of 17 years, he finally went to AA and sobered up. For three years, he was alcohol free, and I can remember seeing the real man that was held hostage by alcohol for so many years. There were some great moments of clarity during these times.
But alcohol began to rear its ugly head once again. Not only alcohol, but I believe pills also played a great deal in my father’s downfall.
2002 brought some hard times for my parents and they decided it was time to move and start fresh.
I asked my dad if he remembered where he was when he began drinking again. He clearly remembers being at the local bar. He’s been there ever since.
Read my stories and if you can relate, then know that you’re not the only one out there. And for those who are trying to overcome an addiction problem, know that those close to you love you no matter what.