“I tried my best to pretend that everything was ordinary, but I could not deny the drastic shift I felt in my family. The late-night arguments, the random bursts of anger, his belligerent speeches, and verbal attacks became my new normal. Day by day, my idea of a family drifted.”
“My mother on the other hand was an alcoholic. I’m not sure when this started but I have vivid memories of me holding her hair back as she threw up in the bathroom.”
“Dealing with mental health at a young age is the most damaging thing I’ve experienced. I would know because I have a list. Yeah, I know. Why would I have a list of the most damaging things I’ve gone through? Easy question to answer…”
“Addiction is not a solitary disease. It is like a stone thrown in a pond, causing a ripple effect that disturbs any and all surrounding calm.”
“My parents grew up completely isolated from drugs and alcohol until they went to high school. My dad hit ninth grade and started dealing.”
“This experience has made me realize that those who can overcome addiction or substance abuse should not be looked down upon! Others often look down upon these people, for they think the addiction is a sign of weakness…”
“At one point or another, we have all experienced periods of emotional distress. While being a universal experience, the taboo nature of mental illness and discussions of mental health can make a very common situation seem abnormal.”
“Because of my father’s addiction, I learned to hate the sin, but not the sinner. I don’t let my past mark me who I am today.”
