Christmas was always defined by booze for me – even as a child. I was born to parents who had a drink problem but who took things a step further at the festive period. Like many children in that terrible position, I was terrified of the chaos that followed. It was abusive, violent and unpredictable.
![[Karen Slater: I relapsed with alcoholism after seeing a pink gin advert]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234131917-57e0.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
On some Christmas mornings, the living room would be in disarray, furniture broken, and smashed glass all over the carpet. My parents would be drunk and screaming at each other – it was terrifying. That meant I hated alcohol, I hated the smell and the effects it had on my life. So I promised myself I would never turn out like my parents.
![[Karen Slater: I relapsed with alcoholism after seeing a pink gin advert]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234131902-d6d3-e1734969132480.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=296)
But unfortunately addiction to alcohol has dominated my life. The first time I had a drink was at my 18th birthday party. I was awkward and uncomfortable but someone handed me a vodka and cola. It made me feel grown up. Alcohol is always seen as a rite of passage and I was now, officially, an adult.
![[Karen Slater: I relapsed with alcoholism after seeing a pink gin advert]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234131911-a2a4-e1734969239311.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
From my very first taste, I was hooked. Within minutes, I realised that it took away the fear that I constantly felt. I was becoming calm and turning into a social butterfly. That was the start of my drinking ‘career’ and for 17 years I chased that feeling while falling into abusive and toxic relationships. Running away from my past, fleeing any type of feelings – every life circumstance was buffered by alcohol.
![[Karen Slater: I relapsed with alcoholism after seeing a pink gin advert]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234132004-ce52.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=360)
