Sarah’s Advocacy

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

Hi, I’m Sarah. As an adult child of an alcoholic, I understand the challenges this experience brings. If you've found this page, whether intentionally or through a search, I want you to know that you're not alone. Reading about these experiences can stir difficult emotions, but it’s often in these moments that we truly begin to understand. Please be kind to yourself, and feel free to explore my resources page for additional support.

If you're someone who has struggled with alcohol addiction and want to understand the impact on your loved ones, I admire your courage. Again, you are not alone, and my resources page offers guidance and support for your journey.

Why Advocacy?

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!

I am proud to co-host a podcast, hosted by NACOA (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics), with my good friend Amy Dickson. Together, we explore the complexities and challenges of being adult children of alcoholics. When we first met, we instantly connected, spending hours on the phone, often exclaiming, “Oh my goodness, me too!” After years of feeling unheard and invalidated, it has been truly liberating to speak so openly and freely about our experiences. I often describe it as speaking a language only we understand. Our shared experiences, including the fact that both our fathers passed away from alcohol addiction—and they were both called Steve—have created a unique bond that we now share with others through this podcast.

Media.

I feel incredibly grateful to have had the chance to share my message on some larger platforms. Being asked to give a TEDx talk and receiving a few awards are honours I never imagined possible. I certainly don't take these opportunities for granted. Any recognition I've received belongs, in truth, to the broader community working hard to raise awareness around these issues.

My role has simply been to represent that community to the best of my ability. There is still so much work to be done, and I am thankful for every chance I get to move this cause forward. However, awards and accolades were never my aim. I am much more focused on service - on connecting with people, listening to stories, and fostering understanding.

If any doors have opened for me, I plan to hold them open for others to walk through. My hope is that, together, we can make progress through open and compassionate dialogues. I don't know what the future will bring, and try to stay humble knowing there are so many meaningful perspectives to learn from. But I do feel privileged to collaborate with so many inspiring people working for positive change.