Mum wouldn’t admit she had a problem

Sep 26 2008

JUSTIN was only 12 when he realised drink had taken control of his mum.

As a terrified kid, he’d hide in his room – pretending to be asleep so he didn’t have to face the drunk supposed to be caring for him.

Seven years on, he had no option but to leave after fighting a losing battle to help his mum beat her addiction.

And after trying to take his own life, he knows more than anyone how alcohol affects those closest to the problem.

He confessed: “I knew my mum had a problem when I was 12, but it took until I was 18 for me to properly confront it.

“She wouldn’t listen, wouldn’t admit she had a problem, and I felt guilty because she seemed to blame me.

“Eventually I ran away and tried to take my own life, but when she was informed by the hospital she didn’t even come to see me.

“She’s nearly died herself through drink but she doesn’t get the message that she has a problem.”

Justin and his mum now live apart, and after turning to the Ayrshire Council on Alcohol he’s getting his life back on track.

The teen insisted: “You don’t have to suffer in silence and I’m now getting on with my life.

“And women shouldn’t think they won’t start drinking heavily just because they’re women.

“I’ve seen it happen with my mum and it’s so bad that she still denies she has a problem.”