Being a child or adult child of parents with problems alcohol or drug use can be an isolating and lonely experience. Children grow up in a strained and emotionally charged environment which can hugely affect their sense of self.

By speaking out about this issue Alcohol Action Ireland’s Silent Voices campaign aims to lessen the shame these children and adults may feel, and to help them find support so that they feel less alone in their experience.

Today we hear a story of incredible resilience from a woman who grew up with immense trauma arising from her mother’s serious alcohol and mental health difficulties. Her father also had alcohol problems and died when Aisling was just 10 years old.

Interviewed by psychotherapist Marion Rackard, a co founder of Silent Voices, our guest is Aisling Creegan, an artist and herself a psychotherapist who is committed to helping others with similar life experiences to be open to the possibility of change.

This podcast discusses many sensitive themes, please pace yourself when listening. You can find links to support and helplines below.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

● Aisling's motivation to write the book "I Am Someone"

● Challenges of addressing the stigma and shame

● Developing coping mechanisms to cope with abuse at home

● The journey of seeking help and understanding through therapy

● Advocacy efforts and recommendations for improving support and awareness around alcohol-impacted families.

GUEST DETAILS

Aisling Creegan is an artist and a facilitator of activities in care settings. She has degrees in Fine Art and Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is the author of ‘I Am Someone’.

Aisling Creegan’s childhood was dominated by an abusive, alcoholic mother, who tortured her at every turn. From insults through beatings and being threatened with a butcher’s knife, Aisling endured unthinkable suffering at the hands of the woman who should have loved her unconditionally. Yet in the midst of this trauma, Aisling was able to rely on the one person she knew she could trust – herself.

But the scars of the past take time to heal, and when Aisling suffered a breakdown it took her on a surprising path to freedom – and forgiveness. I Am Someone is an extraordinary memoir about female cruelty, and ultimately female strength and endurance.

https://aislingcreegan.ie/

MORE INFORMATION

If you are looking for support visit the link below or call HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline 1800459459

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline/

Counselling phone line: https://connectcounselling.ie/

Alcohol Action Ireland Toolkit: https://alcoholireland.ie/our-work/campaigns/silent-voices/toolkit/

To find out more about Alcohol Action Ireland visit alcoholireland.ie

KEYWORDS

#alcohol #sports #drinking #marketing #health #advertising

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