CHAT - Children Harmed By Alcohol Toolkit

Nicole’s Story

My Mum and Dad used to drink a bottle of wine at the weekends… it wasn’t really a big deal.

But recently they have been drinking a bottle of wine, sometimes two, just about every night.

I dread going to do the weekly shopping with Mum because I find myself counting how many bottles are in the trolley.

It’s not that I’m not looked after. I am.

I’ve got a nice house and nice clothes but I miss being able to chat to them because it feels like they are just not listening or even interested.

I took part in a swimming competition recently and I was looking forward to having them both there, but they had been drinking a lot the night before so I ended up going on my own.

I won the race but it made me sad that they hadn’t come.

I’m lucky I’ve got some good friends.

I didn’t know this but one of my friends told me recently that her Dad drinks a lot too. She was really worried about him.

It’s good to know it’s not just me.

We’ve got closer recently, and we support each other, that’s really helped.