Cheryl and Trish both grew up in families with an alcoholic parent that they feared and didn’t start drinking till their late teens or early twenties. Neither felt that they fitted-in as children and drinking was a means of achieving that social inclusion. Cheryl and Trish both married in their early 20’s and although vowing never to be like their alcoholic parent they soon progressed to daily drinking.

In her 50’s, after repeated prompting from her adult children, Cheryl managed to stop drinking with medical assistance and remained sober for 22 months before eventually going to Alcoholics Anonymous and has maintained her sobriety for over 11 years.

Trish managed to keep drinking socially and went into rehab for a second time when she could no longer keep it from her husband. Initially unwilling to go to AA, as it was ‘full of men’; she eventually conceded and found that AA included very supportive women who are now her friends.

If you think that alcohol may be a problem then Alcoholics Anonymous could help you. Give them a call on 1300 222 222 or see their website aa.org.au.