ABOUT ME

First, a note for the loved ones and those affected by alcohol use disorder.

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m an adult child of an alcoholic (an adult in her thirties). Before I delve into why I set out on this journey, I wanted to get some of the specifics out of the way.

If you’ve come across this page intentionally or perhaps stumbled across it in a Google search, then I’m sorry! I’m sorry because it’s highly likely that you’re here to find support and to feel heard. I hear you, and you are not alone. I understand that reading some of my content could invoke some difficult emotions; quite often, reading about someone else’s perspective and how they articulate their experience could be your penny-drop moment (so to speak). Please be gentle with yourself, and if you need further support, then please do not hesitate to access my resources page where you will find a wealth of support for families.

If you’re here because you have struggled with alcohol addiction and you’re seeking to understand the perspective of your loved ones, then I admire you; you are not alone. I know reading about the effects on loved ones could present some difficult emotions. If this is the case, please access my resources page where you will find a wealth of information to help signpost you to the right support.

A bit about my personal life

I grew up in West Yorkshire and now live in the South East of England with my husband, two daughters, and my Romanian rescue dog called Loki. Fun fact about me, I speak in a Yorkshire accent when I see my Northern family, and ironically I can’t pronounce the word alcohol properly. Which was first pointed out in the comments of my TEDx talk.

My dad Steve and my why.

My dad, Steve, was my hero. He was kind, loving, sensitive, and I adored him. However, he wasn't always easy to be around; when he was drunk, he was consumed by his demons, and it was like he became a different person.

Eventually, alcohol took over him, and he lost his battle with alcohol use disorder in 2017. My heart broke into a million pieces, and I dealt with an aftermath of conflicting emotions, such as guilt, sadness, anger, shame, regret, and relief.

But, it also ignited my passion for creating change. I believe that by sharing our stories openly and honestly, we can help people feel seen, supported, and hopeful. My dad was so much more than his alcohol addiction, and I want his legacy to be increased understanding and compassion.

But, equally I also want to raise awareness on the effects a persons alcohol addiction can have on their loved ones. Alcohol addiction takes an immense toll, not only on those in its grasp, but also on their loved ones. Families often feel powerless as they watch someone they care for deeply become overtaken by their dependence on alcohol. There is a profound pain in witnessing the drastic personality changes that alcohol addiction can cause - where a thoughtful father, caring mother or bright child seems to disappear, replaced by the compulsion to drink

Together, we have the power to reshape perceptions, save lives, and honour those we've lost. My dad, Steve, will forever be my inspiration to speak out and make a difference. If my voice helps even one person, it's worth it. So let's lift each other up because no one should feel ashamed or alone in their struggles. Change starts with us!