Michael’s parents were heavy drinkers and separated when he was young. Raised by others he learned to lie quickly and started drinking in his early teens, preferring port to beer as it did the job quicker.  His drinking quickly progressed from drinking at parties to stealing money to buy alcohol and getting drunk at every opportunity. Michael tried Uni twice but eventually managed to get a job and a stable relationship that allowed his drinking to progress till he became aware that his kids were scared of him. Michael got into rehab and then AA, only to realize how lonely he felt when he was not drinking. Getting honest in AA enabled him to straighten out his life and improve his relationships.

Kirby also starting drinking in her early teens and her parents divorced allowing her to be a party girl from day one. Kirby moved out of home at 17 years old with her boyfriend and having very high aspirations, started to accumulate all the outward signs of success but was still empty inside. Drinking and drugging whenever she could Kirby had many geographicals as she moved from job to job. Kirby tried to give up the drink frequently but eventually, after one blackout too many, she sought help and came into AA. Not her preferred lifestyle she quickly found sober alcoholics in AA could enjoy life and not focus on alcohol.

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.