I started drinking when I was 11. My parents separated and
things have not been the same since. I found that drink helped to
control my moods and helped to socialise.
I lived with my nan and she had sherry in the house. Then it
gradually increased and I was drinking every week end. I was
working in a pub to get more drink and customers bought drinks for
me. Soon I was drinking every day and then I found it impossible to
go without a drink.
I started stealing from my nan, even though she was giving me
money for cigarettes (she thought) and for the food shopping. I
stopped eating properly and lost weight.
If I can’t get the drink, I have sweats and shakes when I wake
so that now I keep some with me by the bedside so that I have
something when I wake up.
My face has become all red and blotchy. I can’t cope with
everyday things like working …. I can’t get up to go out without a
drink and I have been sacked because of that … I turn up to work
drunk and lose my temper. I can’t remember this sometimes. People
tell me that I have been somewhere or done something and I don’t
always remember it.. This is very scary and that is why I need
help.
My nan has given me her sleeping tablets but that’s no good. I
get confused and sleepy. I can’t stand it any longer. My friend’s
mum has told me to go to the drop-in centre in town.