Ms Suzanne Tackaberry:

As a mother with two small children, I went into Ashleigh House residential and was given all of the supports. I have been given a key worker, but my children have also been given a key worker and supports in the crèche on-site in Ashleigh House. When we came out for the transition period, I still had my aftercare. I still had my support groups and fellowship. All of those supports were there for me. However, the supports for my two children stopped. There was no play therapist. There was no further key worker for the children. They were transitioning out of the treatment centre also at a young age. My five-year-old has behavioural issues at the moment and we are still trying to get her linked in with play therapists for some kind of support for her emotional regulation. I hear words that addiction does not affect only the individual. Everything that the person with addiction is feeling in terms of shame, guilt and remorse is being felt by the family member too. The dishonesty, hiding and not telling that the bills have not been paid. There is the shame of having a child or a sister as an addict, and what that impact is on the family. That goes for the children also. They are feeling that too. They are unheard and unseen. They are not given a voice. I come from two alcoholic parents as well. I did not have a voice at a young age. The family was torn apart. There was no one stepping in to help us. I am intergenerational. I have a sister who is not an addict and who has never suffered, but I did. If only someone had stepped in to our family. People knew, neighbours knew and schools knew. If there were supports for me at that time, maybe I would have had a chance.

In order to support my children now, they need the support. They are being impacted hugely. That needs to happen now to stop that intergenerational effect.