Being a child or adult child of parents with problems alcohol or drug use can be an isolating and lonely experience. Children grow up in a strained and emotionally charged environment which can hugely affect their sense of self.

By speaking out about this issue  Alcohol Action Ireland’s Silent Voices campaign aims to lessen the shame these children and adults may feel, and to help them find support so that they feel less alone in their experience.

Today we hear a story of incredible resilience from a woman who grew up with immense trauma arising from her mother’s serious alcohol and mental health difficulties. Her father also had alcohol problems and died when Aisling was just 10 years old.

Interviewed by psychotherapist Marion Rackard, a co founder of Silent Voices, our guest is Aisling Creegan, an artist and herself, a psychotherapist who is committed to helping others with similar life experiences to be open to the possibility of change.

This podcast discusses many sensitive themes, please pace yourself  when listening. You can find links to support and helplines below.