Eugenie grew up in a very dysfunctional family, with both parents as high functioning alcoholics who shared alcohol with her from a young age. When her parents divorced in her early teens Eugenie took care of her mother, who had become depressed and suicidal. Eugenie eventually left home in her early twenties, started work in the finance industry that had an established drinking culture and she quickly formed relationships with heavy drinkers and drug users.  After many years of excessive drinking she sought help from a counsellor who recommended detox, rehab and especially Alcoholics Anonymous.  Eugenie easily identified with the other alcoholics, was finally able to give up alcohol and has been sober over 18 months in AA.

Nikita had a happy family life growing up but had uncles and aunts who were alcoholic. She tried alcohol around 15 years old and loved the feeling but it wasn’t till around 18 that binge drinking on weekends became the norm. Unhappy with life, job and relationship Nikita did a geographical to Scotland and worked in pubs and drank heavily with her new friends. After a panic attack, frequent blackouts and feeling suicidal she returned home. She found that she couldn’t live with and couldn’t live without drink and rang AA to get help. Nikita has now been sober in AA for over 9 months.

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.