The first time I remember being tipsy was when I was 12 years old. It was an escape  I finally found a way not to feel pain.

Drinking was always a way for me to cope, a lesson I learned growing up. My childhood was very difficult: I had two absent parents both of whom were alcoholics; I was also sexually abused. I was fortunate that my grandparents were able to raise me. Even though they provided a more stable home for me, my grandfather also drank heavily and had a very bad temper.