A Courageous Mother's Story

In a heartfelt plea, a mother, known as Jo to protect her identity, is speaking out against the stigma of addiction, urging those affected by a loved one's substance misuse not to "suffer in silence." After her husband's alcoholism brought her to the brink, she turned to Families Out Loud, a charity in Wiltshire, for support.

Struggling Behind Closed Doors

Jo's battle was compounded by the pressures of supporting her two teenagers on a single income while holding down a job. "I felt blame for his addiction and found myself drowning in despair," she recalled. At one point, her husband required intensive care, dragging Jo further into isolation as she grappled with feelings of shame and hopelessness.

Finding Hope and Healing

However, Jo's journey took a turn when she sought help. "There’s always hope, even in the darkest moments," she expressed. Through counseling and support from Families Out Loud, she began to reconnect with herself and regain her strength. "Recognizing that I needed help was the first step away from my despair," she shared.

A Message of Support

Encouraging others facing similar struggles, Jo emphasized the importance of speaking out. "Laying bare your feelings is raw and can be overwhelming, but it’s incredibly healing. Please don’t suffer in silence," she urged, highlighting the power of seeking help.

Understanding the Stigma

Tanya Hughes, a counselor with Families Out Loud and someone who has shared a similar past, echoed Jo's message. Having grown up with a mother battling alcoholism, Tanya faced intense embarrassment as a teenager, feeling isolated in her pain. "Everyone in our village knew about my mother’s drinking. It was hard to cope, and I had nobody to talk to," she recounted.

Breaking the Cycle of Shame

Tanya now helps create support systems for teenagers affected by addiction, emphasizing that feeling resentment toward an addict is common and natural. "When addiction takes over, it can be hard to see the person you love. There's no shame in feeling that way," she stated, aiming to break the cycle of fear and embarrassment surrounding addiction.