Mum’s battle with addiction

A FORMER client at Coolmine Therapeutic Community has detailed her struggle to overcome addiction and become a positive role model for her children.

Anne Marie Taylor was addicted to alcohol and drugs from the age of 13 and had almost given up on ever getting

‘clean’.

Anne Marie spent much of her childhood on the streets. She says she did not live in a happy home.

“When I left home I found myself in violent relationships. Two years ago I ended up in hospital having suffered a severe beating.

?

While in hospital Anne Marie was offered a place at the therapeutic community’s mother and child facility at Ashleigh House. She arrived pregnant and covered in cuts and bruises.
Her life was in turmoil and two of her four children were in care, but she found the support she needed at Coolmine.

“I found, for the first time in my life, I was with people who actually cared about me,

? she said.

“The staff and the other girls in Ashleigh House had time for me and helped me.

“It was tough and the therapy forced me to get my life story out and to take on the issues that were causing the problems.

“I could not use the excuse of being pregnant or the violence in my past for being an addict. I had to tackle the problems. I could not have done it without the support of these people.

?
Anne Marie’s son Jayden was born while she was recovering from addiction at Ashleigh House and she found herself faced with another battle.

“I had to go to court as my baby was being taken into care,

? she said.

“I had no solicitor, just myself and the Coolmine staff.

“Having heard my story the judge agreed that I could keep Jayden as Coolmine was my home. He is still with me and my 14-year-old son is also living with me.

?
Anne Marie graduated from Coolmine a few months ago and was overcome with emotion as she prepared for the ceremony.

“I cried my eyes out,

? she said.

“I did not want to leave the safety of Coolmine. I remember getting ready for the graduation. It was the first time in my life that I went to a hairdresser or got my nails done or had makeup on.

“And when I left, I had the comfort of knowing that the door was always open for me to come back for help or advice.

“I meet up with the people I lived with in Ashleigh House every Tuesday and it is so important for me.

“Today I am still working on getting my life together and my family back.

“I would not be here without the support of Coolmine’s mother and child facility,

? Anne Marie added.