Letter from Annie

Hi KIDZ!
Are you a kid who has a mom or a dad, or other family member, who struggles with addiction? We want you to know that there are lots of kids out there, just like you, who are growing up in families facing addiction in their home. Here is a letter written by a kid of a parent who is addicted to alcohol.

Hi Everyone!

Lots of times I felt alone and sad because my dad would drink too much alcohol. It was hard for me to understand what was happening, but I knew something wasn’t right because I would feel sick to my stomach and scared. I think my mom and little brother were scared and sad too and I would try to be really good so I wouldn’t make them even more sad and scared. I didn’t think anyone else had a parent who drank too much, and I didn’t want any of my friends to know so I kept it a secret.

At PITCH 4 KIDZ I learned how to listen to my feelings and share them with other kids just like me. I also learned how to tell when someone is safe to share my feelings with. It was so great to know that I’m not alone and there are lots of families out there who struggle with addiction just like mine!

I understand now that addiction is a brain disease and nothing to feel ashamed about. I learned that my dad’s drinking is not my fault and I can’t control it…which is part of the Seven C’s you can print from this website page. I put it on my bulletin board so I can remember how to take care of myself.

The most important thing I learned at PITCH 4 KIDZ is that I can love my dad, and be really, really mad at Addiction! And I’m really, really happy when T & R (Treatment and Recovery) helps my dad and helps me too with my own EDR (Explore, Discovery, Recovery) plan!

So…I just wanted you to know that you are not alone! Visit the KIDZ ZONE often to see what’s new, and if you haven’t already, go to a PITCH 4 KIDZ weekend program! You will make lots of new friends and have fun while learning!

Love,