• About Me
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Life
    • We wonderful bloggers – Community
  • Mental Health & wellbeing
  • Parenting
  • Collaborations
  • Contact

Recent Posts

  • Most Overlooked Tips to Stay Healthy As You Age | Collaborative post
  • All Your Favourite Birthstones, And What They Mean | Collaborative post
  • The Weird Link Between Our Teeth And Mental Health | Collaborative post

Twitter

Louna 🍁 Follow

Lifestyle & mental health content creator | Foster Carer | Think4Brum Co chair | Writer | Teacher | Mentor at @DianaAward burstsofautumn@hotmail.com

Avatar
Avatar Louna 🍁 @burstsofautumn ·
20 Jun

Happy Monday β˜•οΈ

I've been listening to an audiobook on @audible_com this morning whilst feeling the breeze from the window, before the school run.

πŸ“šπŸ‚

Reply on Twitter 1538785577998462976 Retweet on Twitter 1538785577998462976 Like on Twitter 1538785577998462976 4 Twitter 1538785577998462976
Avatar Louna 🍁 @burstsofautumn ·
19 Jun

Does anyone other Aspie have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell? To the point where it's uncomfortable?

I'd love to know! #AutismAcceptance #AutismAwareness #aspergers

Reply on Twitter 1538602568577843202 Retweet on Twitter 1538602568577843202 Like on Twitter 1538602568577843202 Twitter 1538602568577843202
Avatar Louna 🍁 @burstsofautumn ·
19 Jun

Yesterday being surrounded by wildlife was lovely at the @Girlguiding goes global day πŸŽ‰ What a fantastic event to be part of as a leader from our unit with the brownies and rainbows 🌈

2

Reply on Twitter 1538576008516861957 Retweet on Twitter 1538576008516861957 Like on Twitter 1538576008516861957 5 Twitter 1538576008516861957
Load more...
 
Bursts of Autumn
Create, Inspire, smile and stay wonderful!
  • About Me
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Life
    • We wonderful bloggers – Community
  • Mental Health & wellbeing
  • Parenting
  • Collaborations
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Life
    • We wonderful bloggers – Community
  • Mental Health & wellbeing
  • Parenting
  • Collaborations
  • Contact

My personal experience of family alcohol and substance abuse | Speaking out

18th May 2020 10 Comments

Pin It

Alcohol and substance abuse is a serious thing. It’s scary, unhealthy, dangerous and can break families and friendships apart! Β Abusing alcohol and drugs is a serious issue and can cause illness and early death. It changes who you are, how you act and your potential in life. Addiction can cause career, relationship and financial breakdown all leading to potential severe mental illness. Let’s all keep in mind that alcohol is a depressant.Β 

Chronic alcohol abuse on top of existing mental illness is so dangerous, not to mention the physical health decay caused as well. Drugs on top of this or alone are also so damaging physically and mentally. Some may be addicted to prescribed drugs and some to illegal substances; Both are extremely dangerous and unhealthy possibly causing long term illness.

Alcohol abuse can take lives

I know from experience and life in general that alcohol claims many lives. Years of alcohol abuse has caused members of my family to develop long term illnesses such as dementia, epilepsy and brain damage. These have then sadly claimed their independence leading to poor quality of life and eventually possibly the cause of passing away.Β 

Excessive alcohol abuse on top of anxiety and depression caused both of my brothers to attempt suicide multiple times. It has messed with their minds so much and still does. It’s a battle that is harder to fight the longer it goes on and we are all trying to pull together to get everyone ok. Both of my siblings and I have been through a lot and alcohol has been a crutch to them whereas I have turned the opposite way and focused on occupying my mind with my work, passions and things that make me happy! I work with mental health too to help people who struggle daily.

Turning to alcohol is extremely common, just as turning to smoking is. We shouldn’t judge anyone until we have walked in their shoes and tried to understand the source of them starting to drink etc. This does not mean we shouldn’t be stern. It is all about balance with alcohol and drug abusers; They need help in the form of a hand to hold, shoulder to cry on and someone who will tell them some home truths to make them realise how much potential they have. One thing which is hard not to do is give up on someone. I have felt like giving up on those who are so deep into abuse because it does feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel and it is heart breaking, but I realise that it is actually the time they need it the most. They need that push and motivation to recover and find hope.

Drug abuse and it's ability to waste a life

I have had family members addicted to both illegal substances and prescription drugs and it has completely taken away any form of quality of life they had from loss in career and educational highs, family relationships, financial stability to chronic lifelong illness which has debilitated them and put towards removing their independence and ability to fulfil things in life they once planned.Β 

Drugs will often change a person. They will experience mental illness and almost go through a personality change, losing the qualities that made them, them. It is a devastating thing to witness and a difficult thing to overcome as the person suffering and the person witnessing. Just like those who abuse alcohol it is very hard to be around that person let alone offer help. It is a cycle that seems unlikely to end and as a family member or friend it seems impossible to offer any support making them want to turn the other way and close the door.Β 

It seems like the easiest way, giving up on them because it hurts too much to keep watching them kill themselves and feeling like you cannot help them, but It is worth trying.

My advice for helping someone who abuses alcohol or drugs

My advice would be never feel guilty for walking away if it is destroying your own mental and physical health. You CANNOT be of help to someone if you aren’t well. You have to know what to prioritise and when to step back and take a break. Seek out professional support or even reliable forums of people who have been through the same situation.

Please remember that alcohol and drug abuse can make someone who was once kind and caring into angry and pessimistic. That person is still in there but their struggles and the abuse may leave scars that no one can see. Although it may seem they don’t want help, it is still good to be there and show them you support them from time to time. Everybody needs somebody – Yes like the song!

Finding professional support to the individual also may be in their best interests however it can be difficult if that person does not wish to get help for their addictions. All you can do is try your best without sinking yourself. Your quality of life still has to be your priority. Helping others is amazing but you must think about your own health too.Β 

One quote I live by, as hard as it may be is “Offer love and then leave it”. Send a supportive message when you feel need be and maybe a phone call from time to time to check in on them. Talk to others who may be in contact with the person struggling and see if they have the same worries. Together you can find the right path and support but try your best to keep your health well too!

Helplines

Below are a few helplines and websites I have found for you and anyone struggling to go to for guidance, help and information on alcohol and substance abuse. There are many contacts and sites globally that you can access online and through professionals. Please don’t suffer in silence.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
Help for those suffering with drug addiction.

https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families/finding-support/call-a-helpline
Help for those struggling with addiction and those who have a family or friend struggling.

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-support-services/
Help for those with or exposed to alcohol abuse.

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/drugs-recreational-drugs-alcohol/useful-contacts/
Information and help on how alcohol and drugs impact mental health

Thank you for reading. There is always a way out and I promise there is help out there. You deserve happiness and health. Please remember that.
Stay wonderful!

Louna x

AddictionadvicealcoholBirminghamBloggerDrugLifestylemental healthpositivitySelf careself helpSubstance abuse
Share

10

You may also like

View Post

Medicine Bakery | Foodie Review

View Post

TeaTime Bookshop | Subscription review

View Post

Lounas ‘Shop Small’ Gift Guide | A Very merry lockdown

View Post

Tips for self isolating as a household due to Covid19 | Lifestyle Series

View Post

Steps You Can Take To Help Your Male Partner’s Mental Health And Wellbeing | Collaborative post

View Post

How to create a better environment for yourself: Mental and physical wellness tips

View Post

Veggie Master – Birmingham Takeaway review

View Post

Subrisingly subtle additions that can transform any interior

10 Comments

  1. Lozza
    •
    2 years ago

    This is such an eye opening and honest post, thanks so much for sharing!

    My partner was alcohol dependent for years to the point he was advised by medical professionals to continue drinking until he got a place in a detox centre. He had severe withdrawals and seizures if he went without alcohol for even a few hours and it was a traumatic time for him and everyone around him. Now he’s 4 years sober and a completely different person.

    Watching him go from being so ill and weak to the person he is now has made me so aware of the effects of alcohol and how easily it is to get addicted.

    Love Lozza xo
    http://girlygabble.com

    Reply
    1. burstsofautumn
      •
      2 years ago

      Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.

      That story is so inspiring Lozza. Thank you so much for sharing. Honestly people shrug it off sometimes and don’t realise just how awful alcohol addiction is and can be. Sometimes it’s often shrugged off until it’s to the point of no return. The reality of addiction is so different to what preconceived views are. The person suffers internally and it changes and scars them!

      Your partner is so brave! I cannot thank you enough for sharing this!

      Stay wonderful!
      Louna x

      Reply
  2. Sarah
    •
    2 years ago

    Sorry for what you and your family had been through. Addiction can be tough on everyone xx

    Reply
    1. burstsofautumn
      •
      2 years ago

      Thank you for your comment! Exactly, that’s why I wanted to write about it as it’s such a common topic and I wanted to make sure that if anyone felt alone they could possible relate.

      Louna x

      Reply
  3. Sian
    •
    2 years ago

    Thank you for sharing so candidly
    Sian xo
    http://www.siankathrine.co.uk

    Reply
    1. burstsofautumn
      •
      2 years ago

      Thank you so much for your time reading and commenting! It means a lot!

      Stay wonderful!

      Louna x

      Reply
  4. Rosie
    •
    2 years ago

    Thank you for being so candid about your experiences, this was a really tough read but for all the right reasons!!
    Rosie

    Reply
    1. burstsofautumn
      •
      2 years ago

      Thank you so much. I was worried about the topic hence why I put trigger warnings but I really appreciate you reading and taking the time comment. It means the world to me!

      Stay wonderful!

      Louna x

      Reply
  5. Alisha Valerie
    •
    2 years ago

    You’ve shared such an honest post my lovely, thank you for being so open. I’m sending you so much love. Stay strong, stay home, stay safe. β™‘

    With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com

    Reply
    1. burstsofautumn
      •
      2 years ago

      Thank you so much my wonderful lady! It means the world to me that you have read and taken the time to comment. Thank you so much!

      Stay wonderful you beautiful lady!

      Louna x

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous Post

Natural at home look…

In Beauty

Natural at home look | Makeup series

View Post

Next Post

What COVID-19 Has Taught Us…

In Collaborations

What COVID-19 Has Taught Us About Gardening | *AD Collaborative post

View Post

My latest Instagram feed!

Follow me for more!

Archives

What I’ve been posting throughout the months!

June 2022
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« May    

My latest on Youtube

BurstsOfAutumn

Happiness, Lifestyle and all things wonderful.
I always say that the most important thing in life is happiness, therefore that is what I'd like to share.
I'm an honest, kind and happy person who loves sharing my experiences and real stories to help others like me realise they are not alone in this huge world.
I'm a huge supporter of mental health and body positivity and believe we can change the way society is about these topics together.
Just a small girl in a big world trying to be happy!

BurstsOfAutumn
Yes, we are in May but I thought I would get back into things and show you some bits form the year until now, so starting with my little trip to Gloucestershire with some great friends. 

What an amazing place. If you'd like to take a look for yourself, I'd certainly recommend this cottage. You can find it here: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cotswolds-Gloucestershire-Slad/Under-Catswood-1066428.html?_hsearch=22050662750c86c0901&_price=1042&_display=1

Thanks so much for watching and stay wonderful! I'll be uploading often from now so keep a look out for my videos by subscribing and ticking the bell icon for notifications if you like.

You can also find me here:
https://burstsofautumn.com
https://twitter.com/burstsofautumn
https://instagram.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn_bonappetit/
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn_beauty_reviews/
Our little trip away to Gloucestershire | January 2022
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_cq3dol7yREw
Here is my Waterstones Book haul! A cheeky rather big haul to help me feel brighter.

Books listed here on my blog post:
https://burstsofautumn.com/?p=16976&preview=true

You can also find me here:
* https://www.burstsofautumn.com
* https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
* https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn

Thanks for watching!
Waterstones Book Haul
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_Rbut5x9OHIY
Here is my unboxing of May and June's Pause subscription boxes

These boxes includes reusable and sustainable tote bags and also an origami making set and guide ready to be mindful whilst creating incredible paper creations.

You can also find me here in my cosy little nooks:
* https://www.burstsofautumn.com
* https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
* https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn

Thanks for watching! You can find out more about Pause subscription boxes here: https://pauseformind.org.uk/
Pause subscription boxes May and June unboxing
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_VYz8zeKeP3U
This video is all about May, June and July's subscription boxes from The Teatime Book shop!

Have you tried them? If so, let me know in the comments!

You can also find me here in my cosy nooks of the internet:
https://www.burstsofautumn.com
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.pinterest.com/burstsofautumn

You can also head over to Teatime Book shop here to read more about them and maybe even sign up to a plan that suits you! 
https://teatimebookshop.co.uk
Teatime bookshop subscription reviews May - July!
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_h2GjjRcXbd4
My wonderful friend Morag sent me this glorious little package and I wanted to share it with you to spread the joy and happiness.

The world needs more people like my lovely friend Morag. You can find her below:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pintsized.health/
Blog - https://lifeofmorag.wordpress.com/2021/07/21/my-bullet-journal-experience-and-tips/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeofMorag/videos
Twitter - https://twitter.com/moragforbes

You can also find me over in my other cosy nooks of the internet:
https://www.burstsofautumn.com
https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn_beauty_reviews/
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn_bakes/

Stay wonderful!

Louna x
A little positivity package from a great friend
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_CHTemhDtbbg
Here is my unboxing of my first Pause subscription box in April! 

April was all about reading and finding calm through reading. In order to embrace pausing though reading, this month included a task where we make Pompom book marks.

With green yarn it was lovely to follow the guide and find calm whilst making a little pompom bookmark.

You can also find me here:
* https://www.burstsofautumn.com
* https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
* https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn

Thanks for watching! You can find out more about Pause subscription boxes here: https://pauseformind.org.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjw55-HBhAHEiwARMCszpgDgzsBU73CdR0oajK-y4DstLyfvc84ThTLIe-Y0WAeDW0RVYf1eBoCUcAQAvD_BwE
Mind's 'Pause' subscription box | Unboxing
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_RAVYrcPWFxU
This video is all about 'Kiss of death' by Malcolm Rose! All about the Black Death that plagued Eyam in the 1600's and how history can impact the present if disturbed.

If you have read it or fancy chatting, pop a comment below and we can chat!

You can also find me here in my cosy nooks of the internet:
https://www.burstsofautumn.com
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.pinterest.com/burstsofautumn

You can also see my book reviews in written format over on my book socials:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/70446256-louna-walker
https://burstsofautumn.com/category/life/books/
Kiss of Death by Malcolm rose - Book review
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_xusL9c10LXw
This video is all about 'The Hunted' by Gabriel Bergmoser! A fascinating story of how truly evil and then truly heroic some people can be. When faced with an unbelievable situation, it could either make or break someone.

If you have read it or fancy chatting, pop a comment below and we can chat!

You can also find me here in my cosy nooks of the internet:
https://www.burstsofautumn.com
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.pinterest.com/burstsofautumn

You can also see my book reviews in written format over on my book socials:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/70446256-louna-walker
https://burstsofautumn.com/life/books
The Hunted by Gabriel Bergmoser - Book review
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_jNQXqdnkftw
So, I thought I would share with you some bits I got from my recent trip to primark. I've picked up some lovely pieces and wanted to share them with you.

You can me in my other cosy nooks of the internet here:
https://www.burstsofautumn.com
https://www.instagram.com/burstsofautumn
https://www.twitter.com/burstsofautumn

Thanks so much for watching! Let me know what you thought in the comments.
Primark haul with Louna!
YouTube Video UCmCgyi4GsTMrcxo3JVzKJhg_jE5_cj4Ncag
Load More... Subscribe
Bursts of Autumn

© 2022 Bursts of Autumn - All Rights Reserved.

Cleantalk Pixel
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking β€œAccept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT