A mother to two sons had to put them in care so she could spend a year in rehab for her alcohol problems. She didn’t want them to suffer a home life which she did with her alcoholic father.

Another longs for the day that she is able to hug her grandchildren again after they distanced themselves from her because of her addiction.

These are just some of a number of disturbing case studies of women with alcohol problems in Fermanagh who have told their stories and how they are dealing with the problems to The Impartial Reporter.

They are all part of a group led by Aine Wilson, a Counsellor specialising in addiction and family support from Rosslea, who works alongside New Horizons AMH in Enniskillen to deliver the Impact of Alcohol Programme.

While the programme is an ongoing one, there will be a special one-day event for family members.

On Saturday next, October 18 at New Horizons, located at Drumcoo, Enniskillen, between 10am and 5pm, Aine will be highlighting issues for all those connected with addiction problems, such as family and friends of people who abuse alcohol, drugs or gambling, people who might be concerned aobut their own use of alcohol, drugs or gambling and also for people who work or intend to work with people who suffer from addictions.

Topics discussed will include chemical dependency and compulsive gambling, understanding the 12 steps of recovery, co-dependency, and listening to speakers from 12 step recovery groups.

Such are the depths of depression for people with alcohol problems, that this disease can seriously harm not only the addict but their family and friends as well.

However the fact that they are able to talk about their problems shows huge strides in their recovery process and this is all part of a programme they are participating in at the AMH New Horizons in Enniskillen.

The Time Out programme provides supports and raises alcohol awareness but it also gives the addict an opportunity to get involved in practical activities which the addict can build on in their own spare time, giving them a healthier alternative to their current drinking pattern. Those attending will be mixing with others facing the same challenges.

For many people, normal life could be raising a family, having work as a structure their life, participate in hobbies or get involved in social groups. For many women on the Time Out programme and women’s group, their life is somewhat different and often detached from society.

Aine said the forum helps the women back onto a pathway back to work. One member was going back to college for further study.

Aine says her ethos is to keep the programme simple and apply different issues each day and to show people they can change people’s lives. She feels the forthcoming family day is extremely important because families do not always understand.

“I always say it’s like gas coming into a house under the door. When you have an addiction you do not get the respect. “When you are reared in a family with addition you do not know what normality is. I have seen miracles happen and I’ve seen people change themselves. It is a ripple in a pond effect.” Chatting to the women, it was clear that faith was strong in many of their lives.

Aine explained that faith was very important to people in their recovery process. While many of the counselling steps were based on a spiritual belief, religion was not the theme of any of the programmes.

Depression and other forms of mental illness often complicates the alcohol addiction issue in many people’s lives. Sometimes this makes life difficult for many of the sufferers.