A Child Torn Apart by Addiction
According to Health Canada, one in seven Canadians consumes high enough quantities of alcohol to put them in danger. Sadly, the most tragic consequences of excessive drinking are often found in children who witness the abuse.
“One in seven Canadians consumes high enough quantities of alcohol to put them in danger.”
“Growing up in an alcoholic household made it easy to access alcohol,” says John, 59. “As a young child I was given sugar cubes soaked in Brandy to help increase my appetite. I had full access to liquor and, by the age of 10, I went from drinking periodically to once a week. I had limited supervision and I could drink when I wanted to.”
Not wanting to come to grips with the pain associated with his parents’ addiction and separation, John continued to drink, even though his father got sober.
Addictions Reality
“I couldn’t face life at home,” says John. “Parenting was unreliable and inconsistent. I had no mentoring or guidance. When I transitioned from elementary to junior high school I was also dealing with the stress of my parent’s separation. Drinking was my escape and going to school was not working.”
John eventually participated in a job training program and took the upholstery apprenticeship program through junior high school. He left home at age 14 year and moved to work in the upholstery trade. Meanwhile, alcohol continued to interfere with his life. He worked in the trade for many years and attended many addiction rehabilitation programs with the hopes of getting sober. But he always returned to the bottle.
“I left my home, business and family for a party vacation.”
“I hit rock bottom when I went to Los Angeles for a month,” says John. “I left my home, business and family for a party vacation. I was drunk all the time and spent money that wasn’t mine. Then everything went in a tailspin when my car and belongings were stolen. I had nothing left.”
John returned to British Columbia, but didn’t know where to go or what to do. An acquaintance recommended he go to a Salvation Army rehabilitation program.
New Beginnings
“The Salvation Army helped my family when I was growing up,” says John. “At Christmas they provided us with toys and hampers filled with food. I also attended their after-school programs. With these previous experiences, I felt that The Salvation Army was my last hope to get sober, make right decisions and turn my life around.”
Today, John is sober and has been for 31 years. He’s grateful to The Salvation Army’s addictions and rehabilitation program for providing shelter, food and counselling when he needed it most.
“Their treatment program was tailored to my specific challenges and I am in a better place because of their help.”
“The Salvation Army was a safe place to address my concerns and desire to lead a better life,” says John. “Their treatment program was tailored to my specific challenges and I am in a better place because of their help.”
