20/03/2026
‘And that meant she turned into someone horrible.
‘When she hugged me, it felt like hugging a stranger.It always felt like you were walking on eggshells.
‘Eventually, she decided to move out so she could drink in peace...
‘Then one day, I got the call - you know the one. 🪦
‘It was still a shock. I can’t remember exactly what I felt. ‘Some relief, some guilt, and a lot of upset...
‘Now I was left with all these emotions and no idea how to release them.‘So pen went to paper. It started as memories, but it became something more...’
‘That’s when I realised her addiction was an illness, not a choice.Her past had shaped her future...
‘That realisation allowed me to forgive her - to a degree.
‘Enough to move on with my life, but not before sharing my story.’
💙 Thank you Sail Oar Cruise Apparel for sharing your story.
Andrew's full piece and attached song 'Alcoholic Memories' is here: https://nacoa.org.uk/when-mum-hugged-me-it-felt-like-hugging-a-stranger/?slug=features
It takes real courage to share these things.
We do this, as Andrew says, 'trying to share my story and help kids who are living in the same situation today'.
Please leave him huge love in the comments.
