Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking Delcia describes her childhood as being like the movie Once Were Warriors, and I’ve heard a lot of stories on this podcast, but this one has stayed with me. Delcia grew up with not one, but two parents who were struggling with addiction. One of her earliest memories is being given away, along with her younger brother, to what were essentially strangers for weeks at a time. The domestic violence she witnessed is something no child should ever have to experience or carry. Then, before she even reached high school, one of her parents dies suddenly, and instead of things becoming more stable, life becomes even more chaotic. She began self-harming, dropped out of school, and struggled with authority. And by 21, just as she was starting to find independence, Delcia became the primary caregiver for the remaining parent, the very person whose addiction had shaped her entire childhood. I wanted to understand what it’s like to grow up in that environment and then end up responsible for the person who caused so much of that pain. How do you break a cycle like that? And how do we make sure it ends with us? Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015 https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
